c us t om co n t en t ja n ua ry 27, 2020 TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS IN LOS ANGELES
ith Los Angeles the melting pot that it is, we’re truly a national leader when it comes to influential minorities – and the field of law is no exception. There are some particularly stellar minority attorneys in the LA region and we’ve alphabetically listed some of the very best of them here, along with Wsome basic information about their careers, practice and some relevant recent successes they’ve achieved. Congratulations to the attorneys who made this list and thank you for working to keep the people and businesses of Los Angeles on the right track.
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS Letter from the Publisher
e’re pleased to share our Top Minority Attorneys special supplement, which recognizes the most influential minority attorneys in the city of Los Angeles.
Based on California Bar Association statistics, the percentage of overall attorneys practicing in WCalifornia today who also happen to be minorities has been steadily growing since the 1970s. In 1974, for example, California’s legal profession was made up of less than 5% minority practitioners while last year, that statistic reached an all-time high of 22% and is continuing to grow.
There are some particularly stellar minority attorneys in the LA region who happen to be from a broad cultural spectrum.
For this section, we accepted nominations from our readers and from legal experts at some of the top firms and businesses in the region. From there, we narrowed our choices down to those who are particularly impactful and who maintain the highest professional and ethical standards. We also considered honorees’ contributions to the Los Angeles business and legal community at large.
Congratulations to each of the superb legal professionals who made our list this year.
Best regards,
Anna Magzanyan Publisher & CEO
Inclusion Is Everyone’s Business
We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success. Congratulations to Camilo Echavarria and John LeCrone for being named two of the Top Minority Lawyers in Los Angeles.
DWT.COM/DIVERSITY
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
SEAN ANDRADE WILLIAM J. BRIGGS II JOSHUA BRIONES MICHAEL BROPHY Founding Partner Partner, Litigation Managing Member Partner and Office Managing Director Andrade Gonzalez LLP Venable LLP Mintz Withersworldwide
or almost a decade, Sean Andrade, man- illiam J. Briggs, II, a partner with Ven- oshua Briones is a son of immigrant farm ichael Brophy is a partner in the trust aging partner and founder of Andrade able LLP in Los Angeles, is recognized workers who came to the United States and estate litigation team at Withers FGonzalez, served on the National Board Was a leading trial lawyer and civil litiga- Jfrom Mexico to work in the fields of Mand is managing director of the firm’s of Governors for the Hispanic National Bar tor, with extensive experience in the enter- Northern California. Los Angeles Office. He has extensive experi- Association (HNBA). During that time, he tainment industry. He provides counsel to Today Briones is managing member of ence representing high net worth individuals spent four years on the HNBA’s Executive some of the most recognizable names in the Mintz’s Los Angeles office and is a highly and families, charities, corporate trustees, Committee, serving as vice president of film, television, music, and sports industries. experienced trial lawyer with a nation- private professional fiduciaries and creditors programs and national secretary. In 2008, His clients include actors, musicians, come- al practice. He has received awards and in litigation involving complex trusts and he was also instrumental in bringing the dians, producers, high-net-worth individuals, national recognition for his innovative estates. Brophy’s diverse practice includes HNBA back to Los Angeles after 17 years, celebrities, athletes, and entertainers. approach to the defense of bet-the-company will and trust contests, accounting disputes, and as chair of the HNBA’s National Con- Because of his substantial courtroom litigation. He has represented clients in breach of duty actions, elder abuse and vention that year, ensured that it was the experience, clients turn to Briggs for repre- such industries as financial services, building conservatorship disputes, document interpre- most profitable and best-attended ever. sentation in disputes that involve trademarks, products, retail, pharmaceuticals, automo- tation matters, and other contested probate Six and a half years ago, Andrade and copyrights, the First Amendment, defama- tive, professional sports, food and beverage, and fiduciary-related matters. Henry Gonzalez launched Andrade Gon- tion, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, petroleum, chemical manufacturing, health Brophy’s experience also includes busi- zalez, a 100% minority-run and operating guild disputes, profit participation, royalty care, high technology, and higher education. ness and commercial litigation, including firm, when their prior law firm hired a new payments, violations of the Talent Agencies Briones has served as lead defense counsel contract, real estate, copyright, Lanham Act, partner with a client conflict. All of their Act, and interpretation and enforcement on over 400 alleged class actions in state trade secret, and unfair competition matters. clients followed. Approaching every client of talent, executive, distribution, film, and and federal courts across the country. In addition to litigation and trial work, his matter with creativity and flexibility, he has recording contracts. Briggs is also active in practice includes risk assessment and coun- achieved numerous victories in a wide array the local community. He was appointed to seling, alternative dispute resolution, and of commercial litigation cases. the board of directors of the Los Angeles City administrative proceedings. His recent litiga- Employees’ Retirement System by Mayor Eric tion wins include a trial victory on behalf of a Garcetti. dynasty trust in Los Angeles Superior Court.
RALPH CAMPILLO PAUL S. CHAN DAVID V. CHANG VICKI CHOU Member Managing Principal Partner Of Counsel Mintz Bird, Marella, Boxer, Wolpert, Nessim, Drooks, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Hueston Hennigan LLP Lincenberg & Rhow, P.C. alph Campillo is a Cuban native who epresenting clients in complex business icki Chou is of counsel and a key mem- came to the US as part of the Peter Pan anaging principal Paul Chan has deals requires scrupulous attention to ber of the White Collar and Investiga- RKids program in the early 1960s. Campil- focused on the trial of complex litiga- Rdetail, an ability to assess multiple finan- Vtions team. She is a seasoned trial and lo went on to pursue the American dream Mtion matters for the past 25 years, spe- cial scenarios and a keen knowledge and appellate attorney and recently served as a and graduated from USC in 1973 with a BS cializing in cases involving civil RICO, unfair familiarity with the state and federal regu- Deputy Chief in the U.S. Attorney’s Office degree magna cum laude and later graduated competition, and theft of trade secrets. His lations that apply. As a partner in Morgan in the Central District of California. with a JD from UC Davis in 1976. clients include Fortune 500 companies, major Lewis’ finance practice, David V. Chang As an AUSA in the Central District Campillo has always practiced in Los financial institutions, and emerging technol- brings these assets to the clients he represents of California, she represented the United Angeles, starting his career at Haight Brown ogy companies. in a range of complex debt financing trans- States in hundreds of criminal cases, includ- & Bonesteel (1977-1987) and later started Chan has particular expertise in matters actions that encompass several industries ing computer and internet fraud, intellectu- his own firm, Dickson Carlson & Campillo involving the False Claims Act (FCA) hav- and business sectors. He has negotiated and al property, money laundering, bank fraud, (1987-1998) and later joined as a partner ing published a number of articles on the sub- managed deals for clients including leading tax fraud, and racketeering offenses. Many at Sedgwick for nearly 20 years. Campillo ject, in addition to speaking at conferences financial institutions, finance companies, and of her matters involved high level, inter- joined Mintz in 2017 where he brought and presenting webinars. His notable success- corporate borrowers. national coordination, including a case in his depth of experience, particularly in the es involving FCA matters include the suc- Specifically, Chang specializes in domestic which she successfully negotiated a first of complex tort, product liability and com- cessful defense of JM Eagle, the world’s largest and cross-border syndicated and bilateral its kind joint investigative agreement with a mercial litigation. Since his arrival, he has plastic pipe company, in a damages trial of credit facilities, cash-flow and asset-based European country. She has successfully tried shaped the Product Liability Practice into a a 13-year FCA lawsuit brought by over 40 loans, acquisition and leveraged buyout over 10 cases as lead counsel and won every powerhouse team. He has tried more than intervening agencies seeking nine-figure financings, first- and second-lien debt financ- one of her appeals before the Ninth Circuit. 75 cases to verdict in multiple jurisdictions. damages; the resolution of all claims against ings, project financings, public and private She was awarded the National Intelligence a risk assessment provider in an FCA action debt issuances, workouts, and restructurings. Meritorious Unit Citation for her work against the provider and numerous national The son of Korean immigrants, Chang has involving China. health plans; and the successful defense of distinguished himself for his skills collaborat- a health services provider in a high-profile ing on significant deals that end with the best FCA anti-kickback case. outcome for clients.
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
ANDREW Y. CHOUNG MICHELLE COOKE MILES COOLEY KANIKA CORLEY Partner Partner Partner Partner Lathrop GPM Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP DLA Piper Akerman LLP
ndrew Y. Choung is a highly accom- ver the course of 27 years, Michelle iles Cooley’s history of successfully anika Corley has a broad-based com- plished patent attorney with a primary Cooke, Leader of Manatt, Phelps & resolving commercial cases for major mercial litigation, entertainment, and Afocus on high-tech, complex patent OPhillips, LLP’s intellectual property pro- Mcorporations has prepared him for a Kemerging technology practice. Through litigation and Patent Trial and Appeal Board tection and enforcement practice, has estab- career of handling complex dispute res- the years, she has worked with and provided proceedings such as inter partes review. In lished herself as the go-to attorney for com- olutions and sophisticated transactional legal assistance for a wide array of clients one recent matter of great significance, in panies facing complex, multijurisdictional matters for entertainment and media clients including: print, digital and television media June 2018, Choung received a $400 million trademark disputes. Known for the breadth on a local, national and global scale. Cooley companies; landowners and real estate jury verdict for his client KAIST IP US on a and depth of her knowledge of the intellec- leverages the synergies created by represent- developers; advertising agencies; boutique patent related to semiconductor technology. tual property landscape in the United States ing international clients in the local Los hotels; footwear and apparel designers and He has the unique experience of practicing and abroad, companies turn to Cooke for Angeles market for the benefit of his clients. manufacturers; professional athletes; restau- IP law in both the United States and Asia the development of their long-term intel- Cooley’s practice takes a holistic view to rant chains; software developers; musicians, and has assisted and counseled clients on lectual property programs. In addition to the entertainment, music, media and sports writers and other creatives; and wine manu- cross-border matters, including multi-country her extraordinary understanding of the full arenas. He serves as counsel to a variety of facturers, among others. patent enforcement. gamut of intellectual property issues, her entertainment and media entities, major Among her recent representative mat- Choung represents a wide range of clients clients also benefit from her international multinational companies and high-profile ters was her work successfully representing with a focus on Korean universities, research approach to preplanning, management and individuals (celebrities, recording artists and Gazeus, the largest casual and social games institutes and companies, with a client base vigilance matters, as well as her masterful athletes) in both dispute resolution matters developer in Brazil. She also successfully covering various high-tech fields including guidance through delicate brand rehabilita- and talent-related entertainment transac- defended ACI International when Sole telecommunications, display and display tion issues. tions. He has earned a reputation for being Hope sought to cancel ACI’s trademarked materials, semiconductors and semiconductor In addition, Cooke is a key member of a resolution-driven advocate and a practical Buyamba brand that helps women and chil- manufacturing equipment, automotive and Manatt’s Board of Directors, chair of the problem solver for his clients with a record dren in need in Uganda. Additionally, she aeronautical technologies, software, internet firm’s Committee on Diversity and Inclu- of providing winning solutions both in and successfully represented Del Monte Fresh technologies, business and financial methods, sion (CD&I), and is a member of the firm’s out of the courtroom. Produce NA Inc., Lorraine Koster and oth- PC games and virtual worlds and assets. Recruitment Committee. ers in a fraud case.
VICTOR DE LA CRUZ CAMILO ECHAVARRIA GEORGE C. FATHEREE III TERRENCE M. FRANKLIN Partner Partner in Charge, Los Angeles Office Partner Partner Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise LLP
eader of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP’s amilo Echavarria’s outstanding perfor- eorge Fatheree is a transactional attor- egarded by his peers as an excellent land use practice, Victor De la Cruz has mance in his practice and his contribu- ney in Munger, Tolles & Olson’s real advocate and dynamic in the courtroom, La nearly 20-year history of successfully Ctions to advancing his community are Gestate group, where he works on a wide RTerrence Franklin has become the go-to guiding his clients through complex land what distinguish him and make him the per- array of commercial real estate transactions attorney for litigation involving substantial use matters at the intersection of law and sonification of leadership and influence. A and also advises museums, educational trusts and estates, probate matters, disputes government. Through his track record of self-described “fixer,” Echavarria approaches institutions and other non-for-profit organi- and appeals. His breadth of experience success, De la Cruz has established himself every case with care and attention. One zations in a variety of corporate, real estate underscores his long-standing reputation and as the go-to attorney for entitlements and example of his care is his creative cost-ef- and governance matters. the reason clients turn to him for complex California Environmental Quality Act mat- fective ways to partner with clients through Fathereree’s recent engagements have cases involving significant dollar amounts. ters among the organizations shaping South- numerous alternative fee arrangements, included representing the J. Paul Getty Franklin is responsible for several pub- ern California’s landscape. enabling them to reduce legal spend and Trust in leading a consortium of foundations lished appeals and the landmark Moeller De la Cruz’s clients include developers, maintain budget predictability. in the acquisition of the priceless photo- v. Superior Court case, which was brought institutions, individuals, for-profit compa- After graduating from NYU Law in graphic archive of Ebony and Jet magazines before the California Supreme Court and nies, and nonprofits such as Mount Saint 1997, Echavarria worked as an associate for at auction. He also has represented the LA established a fiduciary exception to the attor- Mary’s University; waste collection and Morrison & Foerster and Litigation Coun- Clippers in multiple engagements including ney-client privilege for successor trustees. recycling company Athens Services; and sel for NBC Universal. He joined Davis negotiating a stadium agreement for the In the past 18 months, he has successfully private homeowners. In addition to his work Wright Tremaine in 2006 and was elevated Clippers development league team; the represented beneficiaries, trustees, individuals at Manatt, De la Cruz is involved with the to partner in 2010. He defends employers in Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and institutional clients in matters involv- Los Angeles community at-large. As an avid single and multi-plaintiff litigation and class in connection with various transactions ing substantial assets, including recently supporter of the advancement of underrep- action cases. He specializes in employment related to acquisitions and art lending; representing multiple siblings as co-trustees resented communities, he is an active mem- litigation with an emphasis on disability and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in against their sibling co-trustees’ attempts to ber of the Board of Directors of Bet Tzedek discrimination, sexual harassment, retali- connection with the acquisition, financing improperly prevent the sale of a closely-held Legal Services, the Mexican American Bar ation, wage and hour issues, and wrongful and development of a new performing arts family business, resulting in the successful Foundation, Uncommon Good and Com- termination. center; among many others. sale of that business and resignation of the munity Partners. rogue co-trustee.
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Congratulations
MOEZ M. KABA VICKI CHOU Top Minority Attorneys —Los Angeles Business Journal
HUESTON.COM
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
ABIRAMI GNANADESIGAN MARISSA ROMAN GRIFFITH MIRA HASHMALL KATHY HUANG Member Partner/ Entertainment Group Partner Partner Dykema Gossett PLLC Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Miller Barondess, LLP Alston & Bird
bi Gnanadesigan is one of Dykema’s mong the very few senior Latina attor- ira Hashmall is an exceptional litiga- athy Huang has a proven track record most talented young attorneys. After neys in private practice specializing in tor with a broad range of experience of providing valuable and strategic solu- Ajoining Dykema as an associate, she Amedia and entertainment transactions, Mlitigating complex civil matters. She Ktions for clients facing major exposure quickly proved her acumen with invaluable Marissa Roman Griffith regularly handles has represented healthcare companies, and bet-the-company litigation. Her ability contributions to helping clients reach suc- multimillion-dollar deals for financiers, commercial banks, government agencies, to focus on her clients’ needs combined with cess. Along with her client contributions, borrowers, distributors and others involved and entertainment studios, among others. a deep understanding of their business goals she has been an active firm citizen involved in various aspects of the production, financ- She specializes in employment litigation is what positions her as a trusted and valued in mentoring associates, serving as a mem- ing and distribution of film, television and and has experience resolving racial, sexual, partner. Her exceptional work over the past ber of the associate’s committee, and acting digital content, including credit facilities, age, and national origin harassment and year, as well as over the course of her career, as a member of a committee tasked with the domestic and international co-financing discrimination claims, as well as retaliation, is highlighted by several significant case retention of minority lawyers. agreements and slate transactions. wage and hour, and wrongful termination results in class action for life insurance com- Gnanadesigan is a member of the firm’s Among her recent successes has been claims for private and public employers. panies, automotive platforms, nutrition and Litigation Department and her practice her work on behalf of Media Rights Capital She has litigated cases involving disability product supplement companies, and major focuses on complex commercial litigation (MRC) and its affiliates in connection with discrimination and accommodation, and sports apparel retailers and manufacturers. and intellectual property litigation. She rep- MRC’s financing activities in film and TV family and medical leave rights. Hashmall Recently, Huang helped successfully resents corporations, financial institutions, (including co-production and co-financing also has extensive healthcare experience resolve an action against Ameritas Life employers, and court-appointed receivers arrangements for the films ‘Dora and the and has represented Windsor Healthcare, Insurance Corporation alleging negligent in a variety of litigation matters in state Lost City of Gold,’ ‘Knives Out’ and ‘The Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and Newport hiring, supervision and retention and secu- and federal court, and in mediation and Lovebirds,’ and financing arrangements for Bay Hospital. rities fraud brought on behalf of a private arbitration proceedings. Gnanadesigan has the television series ‘Counterpart,’ ‘Dark In addition to being a top trial attorney, action trust seeking the investment losses extensive experience handling state and Tower,’ ‘The Great,’ ‘The Outsider,’ and Hashmall is the head of the appellate prac- resulting from a Ponzi scheme run by an nationwide class action lawsuits on a variety ‘Ozark;’ and MRC’s JPMorgan-led credit tice of Miller Barondess and is a Certified independent general agent through his of issues. facility. Specialist in Appellate Law, The State Bar non-insurance business. of California Board of Legal Specialization.
ROLAND M. JUAREZ MOEZ M. KABA BRIEN KELLEY ANNE KIM Partner Partner Partner Partner Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Hueston Hennigan LLP Sklar Kirsh Kirkland & Ellis LLP
oland Juarez is known for handling high- s a diverse, young attorney, Moez Kaba rien R. Kelley is senior counsel of Sklar nne Kim is a corporate tax partner in stakes labor and employment cases for is quickly becoming a trusted advisor, Kirsh in the Real Estate Department. Kirkland & Ellis’ nationally recognized Rsome of California’s largest and most Aserving as co-lead or second chair on the BKelley’s practice focuses on complex real AM&A / Private Equity practice group. high-profile employers, and he has suc- firm’s most significant matters. estate transactions, with significant experi- Recently joining the firm from Proskauer cessfully defended clients against the most Kaba has had many recent successes in ence in commercial and multi-family residen- Rose, Anne is an integral part of Kirkland’s challenging claims facing employers in Cali- the last year alone. For example, recently, tial acquisitions and dispositions, real proper- premier Los Angeles team that serves Ares fornia and across the nation. He has secured Kaba obtained a complete defense victory ty secured financing, joint venture formation, Management Corporation, a leading global impressive victories for his clients through for Caltech after a four-week jury trial in Los mezzanine financing and all aspects of real alternative asset manager with approximately innovative strategies. Angeles; prevailed in the U.S. Second Cir- estate due diligence including title and survey $144 billion of assets under management. In a potentially precedent-setting case cuit Court of Appeals on his argument that review. Kelley’s real estate practice experi- Her practice focuses on advising public and under the Immigration & Nationality Act, a social network is immune from liability for ence includes representation of institutional private companies in both taxable and tax- involving the H-1B visa program, Juarez third party statements under section 230 of and family office real estate investors, syn- free mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, secured a win via summary judgment, the Communications Decency Act; defeated dicators, developers and operators, and bor- cross-border transactions and formation obtaining dismissal of 74 claims of back pay. a $100 million suit against Bausch Health rowers in a broad range of real-estate related of joint ventures. She has experience with The claims arose from hundreds of employ- Companies; obtained dismissal of two Title matters including acquisition, development, diverse industries that are on the pulse of the ees at Volt Workforce Solutions following IX federal lawsuits filed against Caltech; financing and disposition and commercial culture here in California, including technol- an investigation by the U.S. Department of obtained a preliminary injunction on behalf leasing; securitized, mezzanine and preferred ogy, energy, retail, entertainment, media and Labor (USDOL) that lasted several years. of Amgen against the State of California in equity financing; forming and representing insurance. Juarez was victorious in arguing that the a case setting new precedent for the phar- joint ventures, limited liability companies, Among Kim’s involvement with recent USDOL’s expansion of the investigation maceutical industry; and defeated the SEC’s general and limited partnerships and negoti- transactions includes her work on behalf of was not authorized because the USDOL had motion for contempt against Elon Musk ating joint venture agreements. Ares Management Corporation in its check- failed to meet the specific statutory require- related to his tweets. Recent success stories include Kelley rep- the-box election to be treated as a corpora- ments for such expanded investigations. resenting TruAmerica Multifamily, LLC, in tion for tax purposes effective March 1, 2018, connection with a $100,000,000 joint ven- followed by its conversion to a corporation ture portfolio acquisition. under Delaware law in November 2018.
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Holland & Knight congratulates all of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Top Minority Attorneys,” including Holland & Knight’s own
Thomas Yoo and Ryan Leaderman
Thomas Yoo Ryan Leaderman Partner and Team Leader Partner Product Liability Life Sciences Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA 213.896.2405 213.896.2425
At Holland & Knight, we seek to further develop an organization and a culture where all talented individuals – including those traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession – have a path to long-term success.
Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,300 lawyers and other professionals in 28 offices throughout the world. We focus on the major industries and services that drive the Los Angeles marketplace, including:
• class action defense • private wealth services • commercial litigation • product liability • construction law • real estate, land use and development • corporate law • retail and consumer products • environmental law • software, hardware and internet • energy and clean technology • taxation • financial services • technology • hospitality and resort development • telecommunications and media • intellectual property • transportation • labor and employment • white collar and compliance • local, state and federal government advocacy
Human Rights Campaign Mansfield Rule Certification In 2020, Holland & Knight received Holland & Knight has achieved a “perfect score” on the Human “Mansfield Rule Certified Rights Campaign Corporate Plus” status from the Diversity Equality Index for the sixth Lab for the second year in a row. The designation recognizes consecutive year. The index that the firm has successfully reached at least 30 percent report rates American workplaces on their commitment diverse lawyer representation in a notable number of their to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. January 2020 current leadership roles and committees. September 2019
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
LINDA KORNFELD HOLLY R. LAKE RYAN LEADERMAN JOHN LECRONE Partner and Vice Chair, Insurance Recovery Practice Partner Partner Partner Blank Rome LLP DLA Piper Holland & Knight Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
awdragon recently referred to Linda olly R. Lake is one of Los Angeles’ pre- yan Leaderman is a Los Angeles environ- ohn LeCrone is a passionate leader and Kornfeld, a partner at Blank Rome LLP eminent employment lawyers, represent- mental attorney who focuses his practice creative collaborator; his ambitious and Land Vice Chair of the firm’s nationally Hing both private and public employers Ron obtaining and negotiating land use Jpositive attitude has led him to become recognized Insurance Recovery Practice, as “a in all aspects of employment law and related entitlements for complex land use planning an integral change agent in our firm. A card-carrying member of the ultra-elite club litigation, including discrimination, harass- and mixed-use developments. Leaderman self-described “vigorous advocate” for clients of insurance recovery specialists.” Kornfeld is ment, wrongful discharge, and wage-and- also handles securing project approvals for in labor and employment matters, LeCrone an outstanding attorney, having distinguished hour matters. A 20-year legal industry vet- all types of major developments in Southern approaches every case by focusing on his cli- herself in a highly competitive, male-domi- eran, Lake has extensive experience leading California. Leaderman is also an active mem- ents’ needs and perspectives. nated field as one of the leaders in insurance legal teams on large-scale class and collec- ber of Holland & Knight’s LGBTQ affinity LeCrone is a well-versed employment recovery law. tive actions, employment-related investiga- group. attorney who joined Davis Wright Tremaine When disasters strike — whether natural tions and compliance audits. She also has a Leaderman represents clients in all aspects in 2005. He represents employers and man- or man-made — clients turn to Kornfeld for strong background in pay equity issues and of the California Environmental Quality Act agement in wrongful discharge, harassment, her strategic counsel, calm demeanor, and affirmative action plan development. (CEQA), including CEQA litigation. He has and discrimination litigation; in matters responsive service. She has represented com- Lake handles a portfolio of employment extensive experience in guiding high-pro- including wage and hour class actions, trade panies in high-stakes insurance coverage liti- litigation cases for clients across varying file residential, commercial, and mixed-use secrets/unfair competition and ERISA; and in gation for more than 25 years, assisting in the industries, including: G6 Hospitality development projects through the approval proceedings before federal and state adminis- recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars in (which includes the brands Motel 6 and process. Leaderman’s experience encompasses trative agencies. He also provides advice on a assets in complex matters at trial and through Studio 6); Chipotle Mexican Grill; and all types of land use permits, such as varianc- wide range of personnel issues, including pri- settlements for clients who have been denied California Institute of Technology (which es, conditional use permits, subdivision maps, vacy matters, employment agreements, wage coverage by their insurers. Her clients’ indus- includes Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Her as well as general plan and zoning amend- and hour, and workplace technology. John tries span the gamut, from telecommunica- representation of G6 Hospitality and Chipo- ments. He interacts regularly with govern- works closely with clients in investigations tions companies to universities, real estate tle Mexican Grill has included cases nation- mental agencies at all levels. Leaderman of employment-related complaints, corporate developers, nonprofit organizations, and win- wide, often of high-visibility. assists developers in complying with CEQA, malfeasance, and due diligence matters relat- eries damaged in the California wildfires. and planning and zoning regulations. ed to M&A.
Thompson Coburn congratulates LA Office Managing Partner Jennifer Post for her recognition among the Top Minority Attorneys in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Post Corporate & Securities
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FOR 11 CONSECUTIVE YEARS, Thompson Coburn has earned a PERFECT SCORE of 100 points on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work Survey.
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TOP MINORITYMOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
IRENE Y. LEE D. JASON LYON MERCEDES O. MARTIN CANDACE L. MATSON Partner Partner Shareholder Partner Russ August & Kabat Hahn & Hahn LLP Buchalter Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
rene Lee is a partner at Russ August . Jason Lyon is a litigation partner at ercedes Martin is an active partici- andace Matson is a partner in Sheppard & Kabat, where she focuses her prac- Hahn & Hahn LLP. His practice focuses pant in both the firm’s Diversity and Mullin’s Los Angeles office, where she is Itice on all aspects of intellectual property, Don commercial, trust, and employment MWomen’s Committees, and has been Ca member of the Business Trials and Real including patent, trademark, trade secret, matters. Prior to joining Hahn & Hahn, instrumental in implementing firm wide Estate Practice Groups. She also leads the copyright, and IP licensing. Lyon was an associate with Latham & diversity events to shape the firm’s culture firm’s Construction Team. Matson is a long- Lee has extensive experience in trade- Watkins, practicing in the Complex Com- across its growing number of offices in the time co-chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ attorney mark and copyright prosecution, litigation, mercial Litigation and Securities Litigation west coast. This June, Matin was elevated affinity group, Out At Sheppard, and also and licensing with an emphasis on global groups. Lyon earned his BA in film and to shareholder. serves on the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion brand expansion and management through television from the University of North In a short period of time, Martin has Strategic Council. strategic trademark and copyright protection Carolina at Chapel Hill and his J.D. from assumed a leading role in representing Matson, a highly seasoned attorney with and enforcement programs. In addition, as the UCLA School of Law (Law Review, institutional banks as lenders and equity more than 30 years of experience, represents a registered patent attorney, Irene employs Michael T. Masin Scholar, Order of the investors in low-income housing tax credit clients in complex private and public deals her patent prosecution experience in strate- Coif). projects nationwide. With a particular and disputes relating to the design and con- gizing patent litigation and licensing issues. Among Lyon’s recent victories was a emphasis in California, she has developed struction industries. Described by clients as Lee represents clients in a wide range of five-day trial defending trustee of substan- an expertise in structuring and navigat- “excellent, thorough, and professional,” she industries, including automobile, entertain- tial family trust against charges of breach ing the multitude of rules and regulations maintains a hybrid practice, working on both ment, fashion, advertising, pharmaceutical, of trust, elder financial abuse, and related governing the subsidies and public funds transactional and litigation matters, as well as integrated circuits, security and surveillance, claims. Lyon also represented a major required to finance these affordable housing serving as an arbitrator of design and construc- housewares, baby products, and food and medical billing provider in a fraud and con- projects. She now co-chairs the firm’s Tax tion disputes, both privately and through the beverages.Clients from varying industries version claim against a collection agency, Credit Practice Group. She also regularly auspices of various ADR providers. Matson seek Lee’s advice because of her precise legal resulting in admission of liability, confession represents developers, borrowers, lenders represents owners, lenders, investment funds, analysis balanced against her pragmatic of judgment, and complete restitution of and investors in the structuring and financ- contractors (all tiers), engineering and design approach to legal problems with real life more than $1.5 million in stolen funds. ing of projects utilizing new markets tax professionals, and others in the post-entitle- solutions. credits and renewable energy credits. ment phase of real estate development.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PARTNERS ALBERT VALENCIA & POOJA NAIR
LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL’S 2020 TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
BYRON J. MCLAIN AMBER MELIUS DARRELL D. MILLER KEVIN J. MINNICK Partner Partner Chair, Entertainment & Sports Law Department Counsel Foley & Lardner LLP Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert Fox Rothschild LLP Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
yron McLain is a Los Angeles-based trial mber Melius, partner at leading enter- n the entertainment industry, Darrell Mill- evin Minnick is counsel at Skadden, lawyer and white-collar criminal defense tainment litigation boutique Kinsella er is known as a career multiplier, helping Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which he Bpartner at Foley & Lardner LLP. A mem- AWeitzman, handles a broad range of Ihis clients leverage success to generate Kjoined in 2009 following a clerkship with ber of the firm’s Government Enforcement complex litigation matters on behalf of the more success, so that their projects lead the Honorable Raymond C. Fisher on the Defense & Investigations Practice, he works biggest names in Hollywood. After graduat- seamlessly to even greater or new oppor- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Minnick’s closely with the Healthcare, Cannabis and ing from Stanford University with a B.A. in tunities. He provides this forward-looking, practice focuses on large-scale class action Sports & Entertainment industry teams. Economics and Political Science, she then strategic representation to clients at all stag- defense, unfair competition disputes, and McLain investigates, litigates and tries earned her J.D. at Harvard Law School. Her es of their careers – from promising young trademark litigation. He also provides spe- complex criminal and civil cases, including recent areas of practice include entertain- stars to established industry icons – assisting cialized compliance advice to in-house legal those involving government investigations. ment, copyright, employment, contract and them in building their brands and capitaliz- and compliance professionals. His practice serves an array of white-collar other commercial disputes. She also has ing on a rapidly expanding and increasingly As an associate, Minnick immediately clients and companies; however, he has a experience in government tort claims mat- fragmented media landscape. He represents stood out as a leader in the litigation depart- particular focus on the False Claims Act, ters. She has represented clients in federal a remarkably diverse roster of actors, writer/ ment and was given responsibilities at an especially as it applies to the healthcare and state courts, both inside and outside showrunners, directors, producers, exec- early stage, including the opportunity to industry. California. utives and production companies in all make several oral arguments in state and He has experience prosecuting health- Melius, along with KWIKA partner aspects of their businesses or careers. federal court. He has been a part of the Los care fraud, securities law violations, false Michael Kump, is currently representing A former singer and performer, Miller has Angeles office’s most important litigation claims, kickbacks, wire and mail fraud, Academy Award-winning actress Sandra built his law practice on trust, relationship by matters over the past several years, includ- aggravated identity theft, mortgage fraud, Bullock in a major lawsuit over illegal relationship. Over his nearly 30-year career, ing representing Toyota Motor Corporation, tax conspiracy fraud, movie and enter- affiliate marketing that has gained national he has held leadership roles in many of the Wells Fargo, Purdue Pharma, Samsung, Kia tainment investment fraud, obstruction of coverage. Bullock, along with comedian and industry’s most influential groups, serving on Motors, and Bank of America, among oth- justice, marijuana/cannabis distribution and television host Ellen DeGeneres, is engaged the boards of the Academy of Television Arts ers, in high-stakes cases. As a recent mem- illegal immigration. in a legal battle against obscure internet & Sciences and the Black Entertainment & ber of the hiring committee at Skadden, companies that have been using fabricated Sports Lawyers Association. Minnick regularly fostered diversity and endorsements to promote their products. openness in recruiting efforts.
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TOP MINORITYMOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
ENRIQUE A. MONAGAS SEAN MONROE POOJA S. NAIR STEPHANE D. NGUYEN Senior Counsel Partner Partner Partner Sklar Kirsh O’Melveny Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP Reed Smith LLP
nrique A. Monagas practice focuses s one of Los Angeles’ leading corporate ooja S. Nair is a business litigator and tephane D. Nguyen is a partner in Reed primarily on business, intellectual prop- lawyers, clients in LA and beyond turn the head of Ervin Cohen & Jessup’s Smith’s Century City office. His prac- Eerty, entertainment, and constitutional Ato Sean Monroe for their most signif- PFood and Beverage practice group. She Stice focuses on business transactional matters. He has represented clients before icant deals. A highly skilled and effective handles a comprehensive range of employ- law, with an emphasis on real estate and the Supreme Court of the United States, transactional attorney, Monroe counsels ment issues including compliance, internal corporate transactions and matters. Nguyen the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the high profile clients throughout the lifecycle investigations, and litigation. She is able to represents developers, owners, financiers, California Supreme Court. The Hispanic of their business: from company formation understand business needs to help develop buyers and sellers of real estate-based assets National Bar Association and the National and capital raising and financings to acquisi- employment practices and procedures that and businesses, including power generation LGBT Bar Association have each recog- tions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, are both compliant with applicable laws and and transmission facilities, hotels, shopping nized Monagas as a “Top Lawyer Under 40.” day-to-day operations, and exit strategies. practical. centers, mixed-use projects and master Recently, Monagas successfully repre- This past year, his work shifted the LA retail Nair has experience handling internal planned communities. He has extensive sented Southern California Edison in litiga- when he represented Global Icons in its complaints to de-escalate issues and conduct experience with acquisitions, dispositions, tion concerning the enforcement of tariffs acquisition of famed LA clothing store discrete and thorough internal investiga- financings and joint ventures of these types filed with the California Public Utilities Fred Segal. tions. She also handles a comprehensive of businesses and projects. Commission and allegations of fraud against Monroe has particular expertise in advis- range of business issues in the food and Nguyen recently led a cross-office the utility. He won a motion for summary ing entertainment and media clients in all beverage industry, including trade secrets, and multi-disciplinary team that advised judgment on the basis on a rarely used legal aspects of transactions, including motion contract negotiations, intellectual property, NewSun Energy, LLC on the development principle, “The Filed Rate Doctrine.” While picture financings, television business acqui- licensing, and franchise disputes. Recent and project financing of a portfolio of utili- at the California Department of Justice, sitions and investments, digital and new highlights include her work second-chair- ty-scale solar energy projects located in Ore- Monagas served as the lead attorney repre- media venture formations and other invest- ing a four-week financial fraud jury trial in gon. The lender has committed in excess senting the State in the federal challenge to ment, disposition, and licensing matters November 2018, which resulted in a $20.3 of $100 million towards the construction the Trump Administration’s ban on military involving these businesses. million verdict for the client; and her work financing for these projects. service by transgender individuals. negotiating a $900,000 settlement agree- ment to resolve contract dispute between a food exporter and large customer.
CONGRATULATIONS Russ August & Kabat proudly congratulates our partners and colleagues, Irene Lee and Benjamin Wang, on being named among the 2020 TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS.
Russ August & Kabat provides sophisticated, creative and cost effective intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, real property transaction and litigation counsel to our clients.
www.RAKLaw.com I 310.826.7474 I 12424 Wilshire Boulevard, 12th Floor I Los Angeles, California 90025
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
ANTHONY PACHECO PURVI PATEL JENNIFER POST PAMELA J. PRIVETT Litigation Shareholder Partner Managing Partner Partner Vedder Price Morrison & Foerster LLP Thompson Coburn LLP Alston & Bird
ince joining Vedder Price last year, urvi Patel is a recognized leader, mentor, ennifer Post serves as the managing part- amela J. Privett is a partner and team Anthony Pacheco has burnished his and role model in her practice, within ner of Thompson Coburn’s Los Angeles lead for the Real Estate, Finance & Salready distinguished career in corporate PMorrison & Foerster, and throughout the Joffice. She is the first LGBTQ attorney PInvestment Group in Alston & Bird’s Los law and public service and shows no signs community. Patel has a defined niche that to serve as an office managing partner in the Angeles office. For 35 years, she has handled of slowing down. A leading government cuts across the firm’s Class Actions + Mass firm’s history. As part of the firm’s Corporate a wide variety of complex commercial real enforcement and special investigations attor- Torts and Privacy + Data Security groups. and Securities practice, Post serves as pri- property transactions. This includes serving ney, Pacheco focuses his LA-based practice Due to her vast experience handling class mary outside counsel to a variety of individ- as the lead attorney for transactions relating on white-collar criminal defense, internal action litigation for clients across sectors, uals, institutions and companies, including to every phase of real property acquisition, investigations, and complex business litiga- Patel has notched significant victories for entrepreneurs, startups and investors, as development, management, financing, leas- tion, including civil and criminal trials. industry-leading companies, winning sum- well as domestic and international public ing, and sale. Over the course of his 30-year career, mary judgment and defeating class certifi- companies. Privett has extensive experience in struc- Pacheco has handled over 100 internal cation in some of the most plaintiff-friendly Dedicated to helping other LGBTQ turing, negotiating, and closing real property investigations and managed sensitive jurisdictions, as well as negotiating walk- professionals succeed, Post has used her plat- purchases and sales, commercial, retail, public relations issues involving criminal, aways with tough adversaries. form to support other LGBTQ professionals office, industrial, and special-use leases, quasi-criminal, civil, regulatory, administra- Patel is also experienced in defending succeed in the workplace. She founded FSIX option arrangements, rights of first refusal tive, and parallel proceedings. He also has lawsuits involving the collection, use, Advisors Circle, a networking and resource and rights of first offer, loan workouts and substantial experience providing counsel on and disclosure of personally identifiable group for LGBTQ professionals in the finan- restructurings, letters of credit, foreclosures, a variety of matters: health care fraud and information (PII). Her extensive litigation cial industry. She also founded the West and deeds in lieu of foreclosure. She regular- abuse, False Claim Act, Stark and anti-kick- experience uniquely positions her to counsel Hollywood Chapter of Provisors. Addition- ly advises her clients on the risk allocation back laws, HIPAA, data privacy and cyber clients on compliance with established and ally, Post serves as a member of the Steering and due diligence aspects of their transac- security, whistleblower claims, securities and emerging privacy laws, as well as on the Committee of StartOut LA, an organization tions. Additionally, she is well versed in the financial fraud, insider trading, campaign potential privacy implications of business that provides resources and mentorship design and management of large multisite finance, environmental crimes, tax, and practices relating to the collection of PII. to LGBTQ entrepreneurs to empower transactions. antitrust issues. emerging leaders in technology and related industries.
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TOP MINORITYMOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
ARJUN RAO ANGELA REDDOCK-WRIGHT ALEX ROMAIN JULIA ROMANO Partner Founding & Managing Partner Partner Partner Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Reddock Law Group Irell & Manella LLP King & Spalding
rjun Rao of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan practicing attorney for nearly 25 years partner at Irell & Manella, Alex Romain ulia Romano, who made partner at King has built a national reputation for han- and named a “Southern California Super is a national trial lawyer with more & Spalding last year, has the trial expe- Adling high stakes consumer class actions ALawyer” by her peers each year for the Athan 20 years of experience in high- Jrience that few 35-year-old, female and and financial services litigation including last ten years, Angela Reddock-Wright is stakes, complex commercial litigation and openly LGBT attorneys possess, with more regulatory matters and government investi- regarded as a “go-to” attorney and human white-collar criminal defense. Romain’s than a dozen high-profile jury trials under gations, as well as defending companies in a resources professional when it comes to any advocacy has led to exemplary results for her belt after 11 years of practice. As an wide range of actions. issues dealing with the workplace. Red- his clients. He was a member of the trial associate, Romano quickly found her way This past year he has worked with dock-Wright is the Founding & Managing team that exonerated the late Sen. Ted into the courtroom and onto trial teams, JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Discover, Capital Partner of the Reddock Law Group, a bou- Stevens, playing a key role in pursuing the performing litigation and trial work at a One, American Express and BMW Finan- tique minority-and-woman-owned dispute exculpatory evidence that ultimately led to young age. By the time she was a fifth-year cial Services in a range of individual and resolution and investigations law firm based the senator’s exoneration. The American associate, Romano was regularly preparing class actions relating to various consumer in downtown Los Angeles, focused on the Lawyer described his team’s work on the and arguing motions in limine, writing protection statutes and alleged unfair busi- resolution of employment and labor law, case as “one of the best criminal defense per- direct and cross exams, preparing opening ness practices, with many of the issues in Title IX sexual assault, hazing, and bullying formances in memory, resulting in a height- and closing statements, handling charge question at the cutting edge of law. Rao and legal claims through the alternative dispute ened scrutiny of prosecutors that will affect conferences, assisting with overall trial strat- his firm have succeeded in resolving both resolution, investigation, and other neutral the Justice Department for years to come.” egy and even taking witnesses at trial. individual and class actions, including many processes. In the past year-and-a-half, he has han- Romano is now second-chairing some of cases in 2017- 2019, filed against American Prior to opening the Reddock Law dled other significant matters. Through- the most high-profile trials in the product Express, Chase Mortgage, Chase Credit Group in 2011, Reddock-Wright was an out 2018, as a lead attorney investigator, liability world against some of the leading Card, Chase Consumer Bank, Chase Auto, employment and labor law litigator for 15 Romain defended a California utility plaintiff’s lawyers in the field. Having ben- Discover, Synchrony, HSBC, and Citibank. years. During this time, she represented company against claims arising out of the efited from mentorship herself, Romano Many other cases remain pending. clients in the full gamut of employment and Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara is now paying it forward as the mentoring labor law cases, including wrongful termi- counties. partner in King & Spalding’s LA office. nation, harassment, discrimination, public policy and wage and hour claims.
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
NEEMA SAHNI MILDRED SEGURA KALPANA SRINIVASAN DANIEL SUVOR Partner Partner Partner Partner Covington & Burling LLP Reed Smith LLP Susman Godfrey LLP O’Melveny & Myers LLP
eema Sahni is a litigation partner with ildred Segura is a partner in the Los alpana Srinivasan is an esteemed trial ith high-level experience in the deep media industry expertise. Through Angeles office of Reed Smith and a lawyer, a recognized pioneer, and a Obama administration and as top Nher work at Covington & Barling, and Mmember of the Life Sciences Health Kmany-times honored litigator. In her Wpolicy advisor to former California her prior experience in-house as corporate Industry Group, practicing in the area of rise to this position, she has forged a trail Attorney General Kamala Harris, Daniel legal counsel: distribution at The Walt product liability with particular emphasis for other female and diverse lawyers that Suvor has quickly established himself as a Disney Company, Sahni has developed a on medical device, pharmaceutical, toxic follow her. Kalpana serves on the executive leader at O’Melveny. Since he joined the sophisticated understanding of the legal tort and managed care litigation in state and (managing) committee of her firm, Susman firm’s Litigation practice a little over two issues facing clients in the sports, media, federal courts, including class actions and Godfrey LLP and is among a rare cadre of years ago, Suvor not only made partner, but and entertainment industries. Alongside an multidistrict litigations. In addition, Segura diverse, female lawyers who regularly try helped launch a national State Attorneys active litigation docket, Sahni maintains also co-leads the firm’s Internet of Things big-ticket commercial cases before judges General Litigation and Defense practice, a robust counseling and advisory practice, Task Force and is a member of the firm’s and juries. which provides guidance and insight to com- assisting sports teams and leagues, television Artificial Intelligence Task Force, helping Recent successes for Srinivasan include panies navigating the national landscape of networks, and film studios to assess and mit- companies diagnose the risks and benefits of winning a $706.2 million jury verdict for increased enforcement and litigation by state igate their litigation risk in the context of medical devices and applications connected client HouseCanary in a misappropriation attorneys general. high-stakes business transactions. to healthcare IT systems and other disrup- of trade secret, fraud and breach of contract A skilled litigator and strategic advisor, Sahni’s diversified litigation experience tive technologies. case against Quicken Loans affiliate, Title Suvor specializes in high-stakes litigation, includes trials and appeals in state and As national counsel in numerous Source Inc. As co-lead counsel, Srinivasan government investigations and controversies, federal court, arbitration proceedings, and high-profile actions, Segura has facilitated played a crucial role in this landmark win, and regulatory matters. His broad practice agency adjudications. Most recently, Sahni discovery efforts, formulated litigation strat- which was finalized by the court in January encompasses products liability, healthcare, secured a pro bono victory for the City egy, retained and prepared expert witnesses, 2019. She also secured a significant appel- environmental, technology, financial ser- of Los Angeles, as co-lead counsel, in the prepared and argued dispositive and pretrial late win for NBC Universal subsidiary, Uni- vices, and white collar and investigation Ninth Circuit against the Department of motions, mediated cases and served on trial versal Cable Productions, in a multi-mil- matters that could appear before government Justice in a sanctuary cities case. teams. She has handled a variety of matters lion-dollar insurance dispute against insur- agencies. Suvor also represents government in other industries involving automobiles, ance company, Atlantic Specialty. agencies in appellate litigation and regulatory food and beverage, and welding products. counseling matters.
Vedder Price recognizes that the strength of our commitment to diversity and inclusion is vital to the success of our firm and to the legal industry. Congratulations to our very own Anthony Pacheco and Candice Zee, and all the nominees for their recognition as the Top Minority Attorneys in Los Angeles.
Anthony Pacheco Candice T. Zee
VedderPrice Vedder Price P.C. is affiliated with Vedder Price LLP, which operates in England and Wales, Vedder Price (CA), LLP, which operates in California, and Vedder Price Pte. Ltd., which operates in Singapore.
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TOP MINORITYMOST INFLUENTIAL ATTORNEYS
SHIRAZ TANGRI JASON H. TOKORO RHONDA TROTTER ALBERT VALENCIA Principal Partner Partner Partner Meyers Nave Riback Silver & Wilson, PLC Miller Barondess, LLP Arnold & Porter LLP Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
hiraz Tangri was born in Jamshedpur, ason Tokoro is a complex commercial n experienced trial lawyer with Arnold lbert Valencia’s practice is focused on India; he immigrated to upstate New litigator with extensive experience in & Porter Kaye Scholer in Los Angeles, real estate and related business matters. SYork as a child, and obtained a BA from Jthe entertainment, professional sports, ARhonda Trotter has broad trial expe- AHis clients include developers, opera- New York University and a JD from George- real estate, and financial industries. He has rience in intellectual property, products tors, private equity investors and commer- town University. He has been practicing represented a multitude of movie studios liability, and other commercial disputes, and cial banks in a broad range of real estate land use and environmental law in South- including Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures, regularly prosecutes and defends high-stakes transactions, including acquisitions and dis- ern California since 1999, when he moved and Fortune 500 land development compa- trademark, false advertising, and copyright positions, joint ventures and syndications, to Los Angeles from New York. nies, Lennar Corporation and Toll Brothers. lawsuits. Her track record and experience commercial leasing, financing, loan modifi- Tangri has a niche practice area that He also has represented a variety of pro- have garnered significant recognition and cations, workouts and restructurings. matches the needs of the greater Los sports companies and promoters. praise from World Trademark Review, which Clients look to Valencia for his expe- Angeles area – advising clients on major Tokoro received his Juris Doctorate from noted that she “enjoys the patronage of a rience in a broad range of real estate asset infrastructure, transportation, and urban the University of California at Berkeley diverse range of clients” who describe her classes including commercial, office, retail, in-fill projects, including housing, cultural (Boalt Hall) in 2007, Order of the Coif. as an “excellent trial lawyer” with “a real multi-family, mixed-use and industrial and educational institutions, and tran- During law school, he was a Supervising knack for communicating complicated con- properties. He regularly represents clients sit-oriented development. Tangri works on Editor of the Berkeley Business Law Jour- cepts to a judge or jury.” in forming joint ventures and syndications, high-profile projects that set the stage for nal. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Most recently, Trotter served as lead negotiating structured finance transactions the future of Los Angeles and are milestones University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he trial counsel for Planned Parenthood in the (including obtaining CMBS loans, mezza- in transforming the business, educational, received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Planned Parenthood v. Center for Medical nine debt and preferred equity) and assisting residential and transportation sectors of the Political Science. He serves on the boards Progress in a case that has received national property owners in asset management. Los Angeles economy. He is regularly inter- of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Young Pro- news coverage and that ultimately resulted Recent work has included leading the sale of viewed by business and legal publications fessionals Committee and the Los Angeles in obtaining $2.3 million in compensatory Regent Towers (158,728 square foot office for his views and insights. He also regularly Intellectual Property Law Association. He and punitive damages in favor of Planned building in Dallas) which closed to an insti- presents at major conferences. is also a member of the Asian Pacific Amer- Parenthood. tutional buyer. ican Bar Association.
Munger, Tolles & Olson We salute you. congratulates our colleague, George C. Fatheree, III, Manatt is proud to congratulate our partners for being named to the Michelle Cooke and Los Angeles Business Journal’s Victor De la Cruz 2020 list of Top Minority Attorneys. on being named among the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Top Minority Attorneys.
LOS ANGELES | SAN FRANCISCO | WASHINGTON, D.C. Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, llp manatt.com MTO.COM
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
BELINDA MARTINEZ VEGA BEN WANG KEOLA ROBERT WHITTAKER BART WILLIAMS Partner Partner Associate Partner Venable LLP Russ August & Kabat McGuireWoods LLP Proskauer Rose LLP
elinda Martinez Vega is a partner in en Wang is a partner at Russ August & rom helping a startup food and beverage art Williams is one of the nation’s most Venable LLP’s Los Angeles office. Kabat. He is member of the firm’s gener- company navigate its first product recall sought-after trial lawyers, with expe- BShe focuses her practice on complex Bal litigation, intellectual property litiga- Fto assisting an international mining giant Brience in a wide array of commercial commercial litigation, including matters tion, trial and appellate groups. His practice in groundbreaking environmental litigation, litigation as well as white-collar criminal involving unfair business practices, securi- focuses on representing clients in complex McGuireWoods associate Keola Whittaker defense and internal corporate investiga- ties litigation, intellectual property, contract business and intellectual property disputes, has played important roles ensuring that tions. He has served as lead trial counsel for disputes, and fraud. She also counsels particularly in patent and trade secret trials clients achieve success in the courtroom or top companies facing the most significant clients on corporate compliance and con- and appeals. avoid litigation altogether. In addition to his litigation that could make or break their ducts internal investigations in response In the last 18 months alone, Wang has work at McGuireWoods, he is a leader in the business. Sometimes he handles cases from to government inquiries and allegations of served as lead trial counsel in a patent jury LGBTIQ community, in Los Angeles and start to finish; other times he is called in misconduct. trial that resulted in a verdict in favor of his nationally. He co-founded Trevor NextGen at just months or even weeks before a trial to This past year, she was a key part of client on all issues and damages; argued and The Trevor Project, bringing together young, deliver the win. a team that obtained a complete defense won two appeals before the Federal Circuit motivated volunteers in Los Angeles and Williams has an impressive list of vic- verdict in a $25 million California jury trial Court of Appeals; successfully obtained judi- New York to raise awareness, develop leader- tories under his belt in jury and bench alleging breach of duty and fraud against cial correction of a patent claim; obtained ship, advocate and raise funds in support of trials throughout the United States. He is a a hospitality company and its CEO. Vega summary judgment in favor of his client, The Trevor Project’s life-saving, life-affirming respected and respectful litigator, a powerful also played a key role in obtaining summary while defeating the opposing party’s sum- work for the LGBTIQ community. storyteller and strategic mastermind, whose judgment for a refrigeration services compa- mary judgment motion; and argued 21 sub- Whittaker has more than a decade of expe- catalogue of high-profile victories has made ny that was sued for vicarious liability and stantive motions before U.S. District Courts rience representing leading financial institu- him one of the most in-demand lawyers negligent supervision, hiring, and training across the country; and obtained settlements tions and Fortune 500 corporations in com- today. Williams previously served as an assis- when an employee drove his vehicle while for clients in excess of $15,000,000. plex commercial litigation around the country. tant U.S. attorney in the Central District of intoxicated, causing a serious accident. In He represents leading financial institutions in California where he concentrated on com- addition to her legal work, she serves on the an array of matters, including federal securities plex criminal prosecutions. board of directors of the Los Angeles Fire lawsuits and government investigations related and Police Pensions. to the 2008 financial crisis.
An influential advisor
Congratulations!
Congratulates Lathrop GPM applauds our partner and colleague, Andrew Choung, MERCEDES O. selected as one of the Most Influential Minority Attorneys.
Lathrop GPM is proud to promote a culture MARTIN that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. Shareholder We actively encourage and foster a workplace that is respectful of all people and believe diverse perspectives serve as a strength and a benefit.
2020 TOP MINORITY ATTORNEY Los Angeles Business Journal Andrew Y. Choung 310.789.4658 AZ | CA | OR | WA [email protected] www.buchalter.com A combination of Gray Plant Mooty + Lathrop Gage LLP
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS
CHRIS WU DEBRA WONG YANG THOMAS J. YOO CANDICE ZEE Partner Partner Partner Shareholder Kirkland & Ellis LLP Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Holland & Knight Vedder Price
hris Wu is a corporate partner in Kirk- ebra Wong Yang has spent the past homas Yoo is a Los Angeles litigation andice Zee is an L.A.-based shareholder land & Ellis’ leading M&A / Private decades honing a practice where she is attorney, a partner, and leader of Holland and member of Vedder Price’s Labor & CEquity practice group. He is an integral Dbreaking through barriers and practicing T& Knight’s Product Liability Life Sciences CEmployment practice. Zee focuses her piece of Kirkland’s premier Los Angeles where the law is just emerging. She has had Team. Yoo’s practice includes a variety of practice on traditional labor issues, including team that serves Ares Management Cor- a groundbreaking career – first Asian-Amer- product liability matters and commercial unfair labor practice charges, interpreta- poration, a leading global alternative asset ican woman to serve as a U.S. Attorney, disputes. He has served in national, regional tion of collective bargaining agreements, manager with approximately $144 billion of former California state judge, and, reflective and trial counsel, and other strategic, roles grievances, arbitrations, and National Labor assets under management. He also maintains of her broad practice and comprehensive on behalf of leading companies in numerous Relations Board proceedings. She has han- a diverse corporate practice that focuses on abilities, current Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s industries, including life sciences, manufac- dled several union grievances, arbitrations mergers and acquisitions and representing Crisis Management Practice Group. turing, financial services, real estate, trans- and representation cases at all stages and has issuers and investment banks in public and Given the depth of experience and portation and private investment ventures. extensive experience managing and oversee- private securities offerings and counsels record of success, Yang focuses part of her Yoo handles a wide range of complex ing union election campaigns. clients on matters of corporate governance, practice on strategic counseling. She leads cases, negotiations and exposures, from Zee has successfully represented and securities law and compliance. critical representations, both high profile prescription pharmaceuticals and medical defended numerous multi-state and inter- In the past 18 months alone, Wu has and highly confidential, involving a wide devices to environmental toxic exposure national corporations on all aspects of been involved in a number of transactions, variety of industries, economic sectors, reg- matters, from mass torts involving thousands employment litigation, including allegations including the representation of Ares Man- ulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, of cases to individual contract actions. He of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, agement Corporation, as equity sponsor and global jurisdictions and all types of pro- has in-depth experience in cross-border busi- wage and hour issues, reductions in force, creditor in exchange offer by its portfolio ceedings. Her clients are in the private and ness disputes, federal multidistrict litigation reasonable accommodation, and independent company, 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, of public sectors and include the University of and statewide coordinations, class action contractor issues. She also has experience $131 million senior secured notes for new Southern California, MGM Resorts, UCLA defense and high-profile matters garnering with workplace torts, including defamation, senior secured notes, and related rights and the UC Regents and NeoPollard Inter- national media attention. In addition, Yoo emotional distress and interference with con- offering. active LLC. regularly handles complex scientific issues tractual relations. She has litigated numerous faced by his clients in life sciences and toxic single plaintiff and class-action employment tort litigations. lawsuits in a first chair capacity.
Congratulating SHIRAZ TANGRI “Top Minority Attorneys”
• Outstanding results • Excellent client service • Highly ranked expertise • Exemplary team leadership • Strong community support
Shiraz Tangri, Principal [email protected]
Shiraz is a Principal in the Land Use and Environmental Law Practice Group. He focuses his transaction, litigation and compliance practice on infrastructure, transportation, higher education, and urban development projects.
Offices throughout California | 800.464.3559 | meyersnave.com
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS State Bar Launches Leadership Bank Program to Maximize Funds for Legal Aid
ate last year, the State Bar of California their homes (2017); Becoming a leadership bank will afford the their CRA obligations by generating funds launched its Leadership Bank program, • Obtaining more than 4,800 restraining following benefits to financial institutions: that will go directly towards assisting those Lrecognizing financial institutions that help orders to protect survivors from domestic vio- • Visibility as a partner in access to most in need. maximize funds to support meaningful access lence (2017); justice: The State Bar will highlight Lead- • Demonstrated social responsibility: to justice for low-income Californians. • Serving over 11,000 clients in the areas ership Banks on its website, publishing the Financial institutions care about their cus- “Financial institutions in California hold of consumer protection and financial matters inaugural list in January 2020. The State tomers and their communities. This is another nearly $5 billion in IOLTA accounts, the (2018); and interest on which goes to support legal aid,” • Supporting tens of thousands of seniors, said Leah Wilson, Executive Director. “We veterans, and individuals with disabilities know that attorneys and law firms care about with civil legal issues (2018). increasing the availability of legal services ‘Financial institutions in California hold nearly $5 billion in for the millions of Californians who cannot For 2020, the State Bar Board of Trustees IOLTA accounts, the interest on which goes to support legal aid. afford to pay for these services. We are excited approved a record distribution of $55.6 mil- to highlight banks that choose to be a lead- lion in IOLTA funds. This dramatic leap in We are excited to highlight banks that choose to be a leader in supporting er in supporting this work, recognizing and IOLTA revenue is largely the result of two fac- leveraging their tremendous economic power tors: an improving economy that has driven this work, recognizing and leveraging their tremendous economic power to to do good for the neediest in the state.” rising interest rates, and the State Bar’s work To become a designated Leadership Bank, with banks to maximize interest revenue. do good for the neediest in the state.’ financial institutions need to: However, the vast majority of need • Pay at least the established compliance for legal aid in California remains unmet. rate (ECR) on their Interest on Lawyers’ Trust The California Justice Gap Study estimates Accounts (IOLTA). The current ECR is 68 that 60 percent of low-income Californians Bar will make attorneys aware that select- way to support veterans, seniors, and low-in- percent of the Federal Funds Rate (FFR); and (in households at or below 125 percent of the ing a Leadership Bank for IOLTA funds will come Californians struggling with disability • Waive fees and charges on all IOLTA federal poverty level) reported experiencing increase funding for and the impact of civil benefits, medical care, and other issues affect- accounts, regardless of the account’s size. at least one civil legal problem in their house- legal aid. ing their financial health. holds in the past year, but only a small portion • Marketing edge: Financial institutions The State Bar distributes grants to nearly of those problems were addressed by legal aid. will have permission to advertise their Lead- The State Bar of California’s mission is to protect 100 legal aid organizations who deliver crucial Meanwhile, legal aid organizations are able ership Bank designation as evidence of their the public and includes the primary functions of legal services to the most vulnerable low-in- to fully resolve only 30 percent of the cases support for civil legal aid. licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; come Californians. Examples of the impact brought to them, with insufficient resources Ability to obtain Community Reinvest- the advancement of the ethical and competent these legal aid organizations have include: being a major limiter. ment Act (CRA) credit: Being a Leadership practice of law; and support of efforts for greater • Enabling nearly 4,900 families to stay in Bank will help financial institutions fulfill access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success.
Mintz is proud to congratulate our Members Joshua Briones and Ralph Campillo and all the other honorees named as the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2020 Top Minority Attorneys.
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TOP MINORITY ATTORNEYS First-Ever Report on Racial Disparities in Attorney Discipline Shared with State Bar
t a meeting last November, the State attorneys and their white male counterparts. pline process; and The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) Bar Board of Trustees heard a report on But the study also found numerous factors that -Decision matrices and other stan- evaluates these cases for possible disciplinary Athe first-ever study of racial disparities in explained the differences, specifically: dardized tools to address any unintended bias charges, prioritizing felony convictions and California attorney discipline and what the • An attorney’s previous discipline history, in the discipline system. those in which the crime or conduct amounts State Bar is doing to continue monitoring and which was found to have the strongest effect to moral turpitude or other conduct warranting improving equity in its discipline system. on discipline outcomes; Other actions taken by the Board of Trust- discipline. OCTC must then obtain certified “A demonstrated commitment to inclusion • The number of complaints received about ees on November 14 included: records of conviction from the superior courts, and diversity must extend beyond training and an attorney; • Fingerprinting Final Deadline: The along with other supporting documents, in aspirational goal-setting. The release of the • The number of investigations opened Board heard an update and approved mea- order to proceed with disciplinary action. Farkas report does exactly this,” said Leah Wil- against an attorney; and sures to finalize the nearly two-year effort Approximately 4,000 additional records from son, Executive Director. “We are grateful for • The percentage of investigations in to re-fingerprint all attorneys in California, the DOJ need to be manually compared with the thoroughness and objectively with which which the attorney was not represented by enabling the agency to comply with its statu- records of attorneys already reported to OCTC Dr. Farkas addressed this important topic, so counsel. tory obligation to receive notices of attorney to determine if the conviction records are new critical to our efforts to fulfill our mission. The convictions from the State Department of and could represent grounds for discipline. State Bar’s discipline system needs to protect To continue monitoring and improving the Justice (DOJ). As of November 7, over 98 per- Attorneys who have been newly admitted the public in a way that is fair and unbiased. equity of its attorney discipline processes, the cent of attorneys had complied with the Rule to practice since mid-2019 or who recently The report gives us a roadmap to continue State Bar will: of Court requiring new fingerprint records, transferred to active status will be placed on a probing this complex topic and to address any • Evaluate issues raised by the analysis: while approximately 1,575 attorneys had yet to new fingerprinting compliance schedule that unintended bias in our discipline system.” disparities in the number of complaints filed comply. The Board approved an effective date begins in February 2020. The State Bar engaged George Farkas, by attorney race, gender, and solo practice of December 3, 2019, to place on involuntary • Extension for Task Force on Access Distinguished Professor in the School of Edu- status; the process of taking complaints and inactive status any attorney who fails to meet Through Innovation of Legal Services cation at the University of California, Irvine, prior discipline into account during State Bar the previous day’s final deadline. The Board (ATILS): The work of the ATILS Task to conduct a thorough quantitative analysis of investigations; and the bases for the differential also approved adding a consumer alert to an Force has garnered extensive interest in the the likelihood of attorneys of different racial/ impact of counsel representation on disci- attorney’s profile if they are placed on involun- legal community, resulting in more than 1,400 ethnic groups and genders being placed on pro- plinary outcomes. tary inactive status for noncompliance with the comments submitted on the 16 conceptual pro- bation or disbarred. The study reviewed proba- • Engage a consultant on bias-free deci- re-fingerprinting rule. posals circulated for public comment this sum- tions, disbarments, and discipline-related resig- sion-making and processes to make recommen- The State Bar is reviewing criminal histo- mer. To give the Task Force additional time to nations for the last 28 years for approximately dations for: ries received from the DOJ as a result of the synthesize the comments, solicit feedback from 116,000 attorneys admitted between 1990 and -Targeted preventative measures the re-fingerprinting effort. To date, State Bar the public at large, and finalize its recommen- 2009. The analysis found statistically signifi- State Bar can take; staff have received information on at least dations to the Board, the Board extended the cant disparities in probation and disbarment, -Options for whether and how to 1,962 attorneys for whom criminal charges or deadline for the ATILS final report to March with the largest differences between black male take prior complaints into account in the disci- convictions had not previously been reported. 31, 2020.
Culture of Inclusion Foley fully supports, and has been recognized for, its dedication to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to congratulate Byron McLain for being selected as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2020 Most Influential Minority Attorneys.
For more information about Foley, please contact: Jeff Atkin in our Los Angeles office at [email protected].
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