JD Journal » Los Angeles

Teacher Arrested for Taking Bondage Shoot of Kindergarteners

danielj — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:44:08 +0000

It took over of year in preparation, but Mark Berndt, a teacher for 30 years, has been arrested on over 23 felony counts of lewd acts on a child, including photographing 23 children in gags and blindfolds, some posed with a cockroach on their faces, others posed with a spoon full of his semen in their mouths.

Berndt, who taught at Miramonte Elementary, Los Angeles, reportedly had fondled a girl in 1994, but the district attorney’s office filed no charges, due to insufficient evidence; and former student Marlene Trujillo has recently reported that she had told her counselor that Berndt appeared to be masturbating behind his desk, but the counselor scolded her and her friends to stop making up stories. This time, authorities took exacting measures to make sure the charges stuck. Though the photographs of the students were found and reported back in October 2010, when a CVS photo clerk in Los Angeles told Redondo police of the disturbing photos, it took a year for police to prepare their investigation. After Redondo police confirmed the pictures looked criminal and that they appeared to have been taken in Berndt’s classroom, they passed the case to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

“Immediately, our detective assigned to the case contacted school officials about our investigation, but we learned that students were off track and would not be returning until January 3rd,” said Los Angeles Country Sherriff’s Sgt. Dan Scott.

On January 3, investigators separated the students from the teacher and asked delicate questions to get some ideas about Berndt. Berndt, meanwhile, exercised his right to silence.

Investigators were especially interested in finding a blue spoon, the prop from the photographs they suspected had been filled with Berndt’s Semen.

“Beneath a classroom trash bin, our detective found a blue spoon and container similar to the one depicted in the photos,” Scott said. “We suspect those items were probably deliberately placed at the bottom of the trash bin.”

It took seven months for criminal labs to identify the sample on the spoon as semen, and another seven months to match Berndt’s DNA to the semen on the spoon. Berndt was not charged until last Tuesday, long after his photos had raised suspicions, but Scott said “We always had our eye on him and there was never a chance he would get away form us.”

Of the 23 victimized children, 10 have not been identified or located. Those who have been located and questioned seemed to not realize they were victimized.

“They thought they were being blindfolded and gagged as a game,” said Scott. “And they were rewarded with cookies or spoons full of ‘sugar.’ They did not realize the spoon contained semen.”

Los Angeles schools Supt. John Deasy conducted his own internal investigation to answer the troubling question of how Berndt could escape any notice for such lewd conduct not only for years, but decades. “How do I make sense of the fact that this took place over a number of years and no one seemed to know about that?” Deasy said.

Berndt’s arraignment is set for February 21.

Los Angeles Arsonist Fueled by anti-American Rage

danielj — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:15:22 +0000

Hate and revenge seem to be what fueled Harry Burkhart’s arson spree. He has had 63 counts of Arson added to the charges already against him, bringing him up to 100 felony accounts for his four-day frenzy of arson across Los Angeles from December 30 to January 2. The 24-year-old German national, born in Russia, came to America with his mother last November. It was his mother’s arrest that set him off.

Pulled over for a traffic violation, Dorothee Burkhart, the mother of Harry Burkhart, was arrested regarding 19 counts of fraud, non-payment of breast augmentation fees, the cheating of renters and landlords, and other charges, in her native Germany. She repeatedly interrupted the court proceedings, addressing the audience: “Dangerous? I am dangerous? Non rent payer for extradition? Is there no murders, no terrorists, no nothing?” Her son was even less civil: “While in the audience the defendant began yelling in an angry manner ‘F—k all Americans!’” investigator Edward Nordskog wrote. He was ejected from court that day. On the following day, the fires began.

In what appears to be a campaign of destructive revenge, Harry Burkhart is charged with setting Los Angeles area cars on fire: “The defendant set the fires by placing an incendiary device under the engine of the cars,” Nordskog noted in his written affidavit. “It is my opinion that the defendant’s criminal spree was motivated by his rage against Americans and that by setting the fires the defendant intended to harm and terrorize as many residents of the city and county of Los Angeles as possible.” Though the arson has cost no lives, the estimated damage of of 3 million dollars exceeds even Burkhart’s bail of 2.85 million dollars.

Los Angeles fell into stress as the sporadic and random car blazes continued to be set off for the 4 day stretch. It is believed Burkhart set off 49 such fires. He ignited them with a common briquette, normally used for starting campfires and grills, setting it under car engines and using the device’s delay to flee the scene. It seems this may not have been Burkhart’s first arson: On October 14 a fire burned down a vacant house owned by the Burkhart family, which, after arriving in Las Vegas, they filed an insurance claim on. In his residence, investigators discovered articles from German newspapers of similar fires in Frankfort.

Dorothee Burkhart pled the federal judge to consider that her son is mentally ill. Her second theory exonerated her son completely: “My son didn’t do this arson. He is not capable of arson like this, so big, so horrible. A very well-organized criminal group of Nazis” were to blame.

The district attorney Steve Cooley said that due to the “amount of harm he did to the psyche of these communities” where he committed arson, he felt a life sentence was called for, since his crimes were “almost attempted murder.” Harry Burkhart, if convicted, could face as long as 80 years in prison.

Nick Cannon Hospitalized with Kidney Problems

jim — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:18:44 +0000

Nick Cannon, singer-actor and host of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ sent out a tweet yesterday that he was transferred to a Los Angeles hospital from one in Aspen, Colorado. Cannon is also the husband of Mariah Carey. Cannon has been hospitalized for an undisclosed kidney problem.

“Thank you for all your love, prayers and concern,” Cannon wrote. “You know me. I will be a’ight.”

It was reported that Cannon, Carey, and the couple’s eight-month-old twins were transported by private jet to the Los Angeles hospital. An unidentified witness said that Cannon looked frail and weak.

Yesterday, Carey posted a photo on Twitter of her lying next to Cannon in an Aspen hospital bed. The tweet from Carey said, “Please pray for Nick as he’s fighting to recover from a mild kidney failure.” The couple was in Aspen for a family Christmas trip.

“We’re trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances,” Carey wrote on her website, “but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful.”

Carey also said that this trip to the hospital is a bit of a role reversal. “Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are.”

Will Porn Stars be Required by Law to ‘Wrap it Up’ On the Set?

rebneely — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:17 +0000

That’s a wrap – for porn stars, that is. Or is it?

Will actors that make pornography movies be required to wear condoms while filming?

It’s hard to say, but a legal brouhaha is expected before Los Angeles voters will consider a ballot on the requirement.

This week, city officials said the ballot measure received enough signatures to qualify for the June ballot.

However, L.A. City Atty. Carmen Trutanich filed court papers earlier in the month saying that Los Angeles voters would have no legal authority to adopt the proposed measure.

Trutanich argued that only the state could legally impose rules requiring the use of condoms on porn sets and charging fees to pay for inspections.

Trutanich’s said a voter-approved condom requirement could attract a lawsuit, forcing “the needless and wasteful expenditure of public resources made in connection with a measure which the voters have no power to adopt.”

Frank Mateljan, spokesman for Trutanich, was quoted as having said an in interview earlier this month: “What we’re trying to do is seek judicial clarification to see if the city of Los Angeles is preempted from regulating condoms in adult film shoots or whether those powers are relegated to other state agencies,” per the December 29^th latimes.com article, “Legal fight expected over ballot measure on porn actor condom use”.

However, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which regulates workplace safety, does not agree with the city attorney’s opinion.

In a Friday email to one of Trutanich’s deputy city attorneys, Cal/OSHA chief Ellen Widess wrote that she believes the city could legally enact the restrictions envisioned in the proposed ballot measure.

“We don’t see a bar to the city or the county doing what they need to do,” Widess said in a telephone interview Monday evening. “We believe the city can use its authority to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among people involved in the adult film industry.”

Ged Kenslea, a spokesman for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the ballot measure’s main backer, said proponents obtained over 70,000 signatures, which is well over 41,000 required to place it on the ballot.

Kenslea was quoted as saying: “We’re thrilled we’ve passed this initial threshold. We believe we’re going to prevail in court and look forward to taking this issue directly to the voters.”

According to information at the organization’s website, Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 100,000 people in 22 countries. It is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S.

AHF’s operating capital comes from its own self-created social enterprises. AHF Pharmacies, thrift stores, healthcare contracts and other strategic partnerships generate funding that helps AHF provide medical and advocacy services across the globe.

The organization is currently leading a mass testing initiative to identify and treat the 25 million people who don’t know they are infected. By advocating big goals – aiming to see an unprecedented 1 billion people tested each year – AHF hopes to eliminate older, more time-consuming methods.

Since 1987, AHF has cared for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.

Leading Patent Litigator Joins Sheppard Mullin as Co-Chair of IP Practice Group

rebneely — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:01:13 +0000

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP recently announced that Nagendra “Nick” Setty joined the firm as co-chair of the firm’s 70 attorney IP practice group. He will work out of the firm’s Palo Alto and San Francisco offices.

Setty joins from Fish & Richardson. There, he founded and was managing principal of its Atlanta office and resided part-time in its Silicon Valley office. He follows Stephen S. Korniczky, co-chair of Sheppard Mullin’s IP practice, who joined

last year from Paul Hastings, where he was global chair of its IP practice group.

Setty has an international practice representing leading global businesses such as Bank of America, Cipla, Cisco, EchoStar, Landis + Gyr, LG, McKesson, Samsung, Siemens and Verint. He focuses his practice on litigating jury, bench and arbitration trials in patent, trademark, trade secrets, and copyright cases. During the past twenty years, he has served as lead counsel in more than 120 intellectual property cases, which have spanned a broad range of technologies. Setty is a frequent lecturer and author on IP related topics, and is recognized for his IP litigation expertise in Chambers USA.

Guy N. Halgren, chairman of Sheppard Mullin was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Nick is an extremely experienced, high profile patent litigator. He brings a sophisticated patent litigation practice to our Palo Alto and San Francisco Offices and strengthens our global IP capabilities. Nick is yet another excellent addition to our firm as we continue to build our nationally recognized IP team.”

Setty was quoted as saying: “I am extremely excited about joining Sheppard Mullin’s global platform. It’s clear to me that the firm is on the rise. I am incredibly impressed with its strategic plan and collegial and entrepreneurial culture. I look forward to helping Sheppard Mullin strengthen and build its growing reputation as a top tier IP practice.”

Stephen S. Korniczky was quoted as saying: “Nick is an incredible addition to our IP team and we are thrilled to have him on board. He is a leader with a history of building top notch IP practices, and has 20 years of experience successfully litigating “big ticket” patent disputes. Equally important, he is genuinely a really nice guy.”

Korniczky is a trial lawyer who concentrates his practice on patent litigation and strategic counseling on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright matters. He has litigated over 100 patent and other IP lawsuits, including some of the largest multi-patent infringement actions in the United States. He has invalidated numerous patents asserted against his clients and possesses significant experience in handling nationwide patent and trademark enforcement campaigns against multiple infringers. He represents internationally based, publicly traded and emerging companies in many areas, including in the life sciences, medical device, computer, mobile communications, internet/e-commerce and consumer electronics industries.

Founded in 1927 in Los Angeles, California in 1927, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is an AmLaw 100 law firm with more than 550 attorneys in 10 offices in the United States and one in Shanghai.

Chief of Criminal Division for U.S. Attorney’s Office Set to Join Munger, Tolles & Olson

rebneely — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:25:55 +0000

Munger, Tolles & Olson announced in recent days that John Owens, Chief of the Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California, will join the firm’s litigation group as a partner, effective January 3, 2012.

Owens will leave his position with the U.S. Department of Justice in December 2011. As Chief of the Criminal Division, he has supervised over 100 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and all criminal investigations and prosecutions in the Southern District, which is one of the busiest and most productive districts in the country.

Owens has prosecuted a number of high profile cases in both the Southern and Central Districts, concentrating on white-collar criminal matters. In 2010, he successfully prosecuted Thanh Viet Cao, who was running a massive Ponzi scheme, in a jury trial. Mr. Cao received a 360-month sentence, thought to be the longest white-collar sentence in Southern District history. That same year, he prosecuted investment advisor Mark Hauze, who bilked his clients out of millions of dollars and received a 108-month sentence after trial. In 2009, Owens was the recipient of the prestigious Director’s Award for Superior Performance for his work on U.S. vs. Treadwell, in which the lead defendant received a 300-month sentence after a month long trial. In 2011, Owens received another Director’s Award for his work as criminal division chief.

Owens has tried cases and handled appeals in jurisdictions nationwide, including as a criminal defense attorney, plaintiff’s lawyer and prosecutor. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2001, Owens was an associate with O’Melveny & Myers in Washington, D.C., where he was part of Walter Dellinger’s appellate team. In 2001, he became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles and relocated to San Diego in 2004. He was named criminal division chief in June 2010.

Owens was quoted as saying: “I have long admired Munger Tolles and am honored to be joining one of the nation’s premier litigation practices. I look forward to representing clients both inside and outside the courtroom.”

Name partner of the firm Ronald L. Olson was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “John’s demonstrated trial and leadership skills and ability to produce results adds strength to our litigation practice. John is the latest in a long tradition of hiring highly accomplished trial and appellate attorneys at the conclusion of their government service. We are proud to have John as a partner.”

Owens graduated first in his class from Stanford Law School. Following graduation, he clerked for Judge J. Clifford Wallace of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and then for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He also served as executive editor of the Stanford Law Review and received the Stanford Law Review Board of Editors’ Award. His articles have appeared in the Journal of Supreme Court History, Northwestern Law Review, California Law Review, UCLA Law Review, and other publications.

Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (MTO) is a California law firm that has offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Charles Munger founded the firm in 1962 with six other lawyers. The firm is known for its defense of corporations in civil law suits and individuals in criminal trials and investigations. In 2008, Munger, Tolles & Olson ranked as the nation’s top law firm on the American Lawyer A-List based on financial performance, pro bono practice, associate satisfaction and workplace diversity. With nearly 200 attorneys, MTO’s work is national in scope. The firm’s principal areas of practice include bankruptcy, corporate, environmental, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and tax.

How Will London Olympic Games Affect Summer Programs for Law Students?

rebneely — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:33:21 +0000

Law students may miss an opportunity to study abroad due to logistical issues surrounding the Olympics, scheduled to be held in London next summer from July 27^th through August 12^th.

Over 11,000 athletes are expected to be in the city. That number doesn’t include coaches, trainers and support personnel, or the hundreds of spectators and tourists sure to come as well. The London 2012 Olympic Games will feature 26 sports, and 39 disciplines.

London is the most popular city in the world for law students to study abroad; about twenty other U.S. law schools have programs in the city. Why? Due largely to the presence of both Parliament and Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading insurance market, as well as the city’s position as the publishing and media capital of Europe, it is a prime environment for students to get a flavor for international, financial and intellectual property law.

According to the recent nationaljurist.com article, “London study abroad programs reschedule for Olympics”, Georgetown Law points to the Olympics as the reason for cancelling its almost five week summer program in London next summer; it generally costs students $4,500 to take up to six credits. However, the program should be reinstated in 2013.

Cara Morris, director of transnational programs at Georgetown Law was quoted as saying in the article: “The overall increase in costs and scarcity of affordable housing in London during the Olympic period were the major factors that influenced the decision not to offer the program in 2012.”

However, Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles began planning in the summer of 2009, so as not to miss out on the excellent opportunity London provides for students to study abroad.

Michael Scott, professor and director of the London summer program in international information technology was quoted as saying: “We expect this summer to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students. We have done several things that will (we hope) ensure that this year’s program will not be negatively impacted by the Olympics.” This included securing flats early and finishing tours earlier than normal.

In addition, the school booked the dorm rooms and classrooms far in advance and altered the program schedule so that it will end two weeks sooner than before, putting its last day three weeks before the beginning of the Olympics. Scott hopes students will take advantage of the many pre-Olympics events, like concerts, art exhibits and athletic competitions.

Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota’s six credit program, which takes place in June and July, will overlap the Olympic games by a few days. The program offers students a chance to study international commercial arbitration.

Kitty Atkins, an associate director at Hamline was quoted as saying: “We usually have our publicity ready to go out to students at this point in the academic year. We just decided on [Oct. 18] that the program will be a go.”

Duane Morris Adds Pair of Attorneys on West Coast

rebneely — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:43:49 +0000

Duane Morris announced recently David A. Charapp has joined the firm as a partner in its San Diego office, in its Corporate Practice Group. In addition, the firm is also pleased to welcome Jarrett Fugh as a partner in its Los Angeles and San Francisco offices. Fugh joins the Real Estate Practice Group.

The addition of Charapp reflects the firm’s growing corporate practice group on the West Coast and nationally, especially in the areas of life sciences and technology. He joins Duane Morris from Foley & Lardner LLP. There, he served as chair of the firm’s Life Sciences Collaborations & Licensing Practice.

Charapp assists life sciences and technology companies with their critical partnering, licensing and financing transactions, as well as significant operational agreements such as those for manufacturing and supply, distribution, and pre-clinical and clinical research. Charapp has significant experience as an in-house attorney, having been associate general counsel at Kosan Biosciences, a biotechnology company acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and associate general counsel at Santarus, a specialty biopharmaceutical company.

Charapp earned his J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from Boston College Law School.

Duane Morris’ Life Sciences and Biotechnology Group offers clients a wide range of legal services, including intellectual property counsel, securities counsel in connection with private and public equity funding, international trade and tax advice, labor and employment guidance, dispute resolution and litigation service. These are all provided within the framework of their business to address each client’s specific needs.

The addition of Jarrett Fugh reflects the firm’s growing Real Estate Practice Group on the West Coast and nationally. He joins Duane Morris from Winston & Strawn.

Fugh concentrates his practice on real estate and corporate matters, representing clients in the acquisition, financing, development and leasing of real property, with an emphasis on hospitality and resorts. He helps clients in the origination and restructuring of syndicated, mezzanine and securitized loans, as well as in the construction financing of major commercial, residential and hospitality properties. In addition, Fugh advises clients on the formation and structuring of joint ventures for both developers and institutional investors in real estate projects. He also counsels clients on a range of general corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions and financings.

Local and national media have interviewed Fugh with regard to economic trends in the real estate market, particularly those concerning Asian investment in the U.S. real estate markets.

Fugh earned his J.D., cum laude from The George Washington University Law School, where he was a staff member of The George Washington Journal of International Law and Economics.

Duane Morris LLP is a full-service law firm with over 700 attorneys in 24 offices across the United States and around the world. Founded in 1904, the firm is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2011, the Am Law 100 ranked Duane Morris as the 67th largest law firm in the U.S. based on gross revenue.

Nationally Recognized Advertising Attorney Joins Manatt, Phelps & Phillips

rebneely — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:11:16 +0000

In recent days, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP announced that nationally recognized advertising attorney Edward F. Glynn, Jr. joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a partner in its Advertising, Marketing & Media Division.

Glynn joins from Venable LLP, where he was also a partner.

Glynn is widely recognized for his significant track record in successfully representing leading marketers in investigations before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and in challenges to advertising at the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. He advises regional, national and international clients in connection with the review of advertising and marketing practices for compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements and industry governing guidelines. He also focuses his practice on mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures reviewed by the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.

Linda A. Goldstein, chair of Manatt’s Advertising, Marketing & Media Division was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Ed’s expansive regulatory and compliance experience – on both sides of the equation – greatly enhances our comprehensive advertising capabilities. In this increasingly aggressive regulatory environment, Ed’s depth of knowledge and keen insight into FTC developments and trends will be an enormous asset to our clients in all industry sectors. Ed is widely recognized within the industry and among his peers as one of the leading FTC and regulatory lawyers in the country, and I could not be more delighted to have him as a member of our team.”

Before joining Venable, Glynn served for ten years as the head of the International Antitrust Section of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. In this role, he was responsible for regulatory oversight of transnational mergers and transnational acquisitions. In addition, he represented the United States on the Committee of Competition Law and Policy of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and was chair of the committee’s working group on competition policy and intellectual property.

Glynn was quoted as saying: “The opportunity to work with such a well-rounded and talented group of lawyers was a pivotal factor in my decision to join Manatt. The advertising group includes many old friends and acquaintances with whom I am delighted to work. This will be a tremendous benefit to my clients, and I am excited to be a part of this dynamic group.”

William T. Quicksilver, Manatt’s chief executive officer and managing partner was quoted as saying: “Ed Glynn brings a sophisticated understanding of the regulatory environment to our nationally recognized advertising team and underscores our commitment to growing our Washington office.”

During the last six months, Manatt has greatly expanded its Washington, D.C. presence; the firm has added environmental lawyers Jeffrey Davidson and James Votaw; insurance recovery litigators David Killalea and Stephen Raptis; as well as former Rep. Daniel Maffei, James Bonham, Julie Minerva and Shawn Hodjati to the Government & Regulatory Policy Division.

Glynn serves as Vice Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee of the Section of Antitrust Law of the American Bar Association.

Founded over forty years ago, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is now one of the nation’s leading law firms. Based in Los Angeles, the firm employs over 400 attorneys and other professionals.

Six Partners Jump from Hogan Lovells to Jenner & Block in LA

rebneely — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:45:53 +0000

Law firm Jenner & Block LLP announced the addition of six partners to its commercial entertainment and media litigation group in its Los Angeles office. The attorneys join from the Los Angeles office of Hogan Lovells US LLP.

According to the November 10^th businessweek.com article, “Jenner & Block Hires Partners From Hogan Lovells in Los Angeles”, Jenner & Block said in a statement the partners included Richard L. Stone, an antitrust and copyright lawyer in the media and entertainment industries; Kenneth D. Klein, a contract and antitrust attorney; Carissa C.W. Coze, a corporate transactions specialist; Amy M. Gallegos, who specializes in entertainment and media industry commercial litigation; intellectual property and entertainment litigator Julie Ann Shepard; and David R. Singer, an entertainment and media litigator. All will work in the Los Angeles office.

Stone was quoted as saying in the businessweek.com article: “We have been working together as a team for many years and the opportunity to move together to work at Jenner & Block to help build upon its existing group of leading media and entertainment clients was ideal. This was the perfect fit for us and where we see our practice expanding well into the future.”

The addition of this group will increase the total number of attorneys in the Los Angeles office to 26.

Clients the group has represented recently include News Corp. as well as many of its current and former subsidiaries, such as Fox Broadcasting Co., Dow Jones & Co., Harper Collins Publishers Ltd., and MySpace Inc.

Rick Richmond, a managing partner in Los Angeles was quoted as having said in a phone interview the businessweek.com article: “We expect them to fit right in with what they’ve been doing, which is high-octane commercial litigation.”

Stephen Kay, Hogan Lovells’s managing partner of its Los Angeles office, was quoted as having said in a phone interview of the attorneys that were leaving: “Some of them have relationships (with clients) that I imagine they will seek to continue. This is, in the scheme of things, not going to have a significant impact on our West Coast practice.”

Jenner & Block was founded in 1914, and has approximately 450 attorneys who are located in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC. The firm has established transactional and corporate practices, which focus on mergers and acquisitions, securities, finance, private equity, real estate, tax, environmental, insurance, commercial law, technology, intellectual property, bankruptcy and reorganization, labor and employment, executive compensation, government contracts, health care and associations.

Jenner & Block is widely known as a leader in public service and pro bono advocacy. The firm has been consistently ranked as one of the top ten pro bono firms in the country by The American Lawyer magazine, and in 2010, The American Lawyer recognized Jenner & Block as the number one law firm in the country for pro bono service for the third year in a row. In addition, the firm has received the Pro Bono Institute’s John H. Pickering Award, Public Interest Law Initiative’s Pro Bono Initiative Award, DC Bar’s Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year Award, the prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award from the American Bar Association, and many more.

International law firm Hogan Lovells is co-headquartered in London, United Kingdom and Washington, D.C., United States. It was formed on May 1, 2010 as a product of the merger of Washington-based Hogan & Hartson and London-based Lovells. Together, the two firms employ an estimated 2,500 attorneys in 40 offices.

Former Nixon Peabody Partner Sues Firm, Alleging He Was Made Scapegoat in SEC Investigation

rebneely — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:00:09 +0000

David Tamman, who was formerly employed with Nixon Peabody as a partner, sued the firm in recent days.

In 2009, the Securities and Exchange Commission cited Tamman for his part in the alleged investment scam involving former client Beverly Hills–based NewPoint Securities. The SEC claims the attorney modified and falsified documents the client used to conceal the fact that, according to the October 28th amlawdaily.com article, “Former Nixon Partner Sues Firm, Says He Was Made Scapegoat in SEC Probe”, “investments billed to investors as “low risk” were actually being used to construct a mansion for the company’s co-owner.”

Tamman is suing Nixon Peabody on the grounds that the firm blamed him for the entire matter, and took away the majority of his $1.5 million practice away from him.

Tamman’s complaint was filed last week in California Superior Court in Los Angeles. It identifies what the attorney alleges are numerous actions the firm took to blame Tamman for everything related to the NewPoint scandal on him, as well as to put distance between the firm and the SEC investigation to protect its reputation its self-insured malpractice policy.

The SEC sued NewPoint and several of its top executives in 2010 accusing the financial services firm of both securities fraud and the unregistered sale of securities. In addition, the SEC also froze NewPoint’s assets, and placed the company into receivership, after obtaining and injunction from a federal court.

Tamman was employed with the firm for approximately two years. In the complaint, he states he brought NewPoint with him as a client from Liner Grode Stein Yankelevitz Sunshine Regenstreif & Taylor, where he served as senior counsel before joining Nixon. He also states in the in the complaint that he was not the only Nixon attorney who represented the company. Per the complaint, Nixon partners Edward O’Callaghan, William Kelly, and Robert Bernius and associate Matthew Grazier are listed as also providing counsel in the NewPoint representation.

According to the article, the complaint states: “Far from supporting him, his partners, with whom he had consulted and whose advice he had followed upon every step … had abandoned him, as has Nixon.”

Per the article, Nixon Peabody spokesman Brian Moynihan was quoted as having said in a statement that the firm fired Tamman “as soon as we learned that he was under SEC investigation and he failed to explain his actions to us.” As well, the firm said it “has acted completely appropriately in cooperating with the SEC on this issue.”

Stanton Phillips and James Wohl are representing Tamman. Phillips and Wohl each have their own law offices in Los Angeles.

Nixon Peabody LLP has over 800 attorneys in 25 major practice areas. It is one of the largest multipractice law firms in the United States, with offices in seventeen cities in the United States, as well as in London, Paris, and Shanghai.

Prominent Advertising Attorney Joins Venable’s Los Angeles Office

rebneely — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:31 +0000

In recent days, Venable LLP announced that Greg Sater, one of the nation’s leading advertising attorneys, joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation group.

Sater joins Venable from Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff in Los Angeles. There, he built an intellectual property litigation practice in advertising, marketing, trademark, copyright, publicity right, trade dress, trade secret and other IP issues. In particular, he represents direct response television advertisers, online marketers and other direct-to-consumer marketers and retailers in connection with intellectual property issues, false or deceptive advertising concerns, compliance with state and federal advertising regulations, and business contracts.

Sater has also provided representation to a variety of entertainment industry companies in litigation matters. As well as the multitude of jury trials in which Sater has been involved, Sater has briefed and argued precedent setting cases before the California Supreme Court and other appellate courts.

Jeffrey D. Knowles, head of Venable’s Advertising and Marketing Practice Group was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “For more than a decade, Greg has been a colleague, collaborator and friend. Now I am proud to call him my partner. Greg’s creative and talented practice of law will enhance the formidable depth and breadth of Venable’s Advertising practice. In addition, Greg’s current clients will now benefit from the depth of Venable’s resources.”

Doug Emhoff, Los Angeles Managing Partner and also a member of the Advertising Practice Group, was quoted as saying: “I am pleased to welcome Greg to the Los Angeles office. Along with the recent additions of Brett Garner and Dan Silverman, Greg boosts our West Coast presence in the advertising arena and will help service our clients across the United States. We are continuing to grow in LA in several different practice areas, and just last week added, Jan Handzlik, one of the country’s top white collar attorneys.”

Sater earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. His pro bono work has included time spent as a volunteer prosecutor for the City of Los Angeles. There, he obtained guilty verdicts in criminal jury trials involving handguns, domestic violence, and assault and battery. He has also made significant contributions in several public interest lawsuits against the federal government seeking to protect habitats for endangered species on public lands.

Venable’s Advertising and Marketing practice is internationally recognized and respected. Among the many honors it has received, the group recently received the Chambers USA 2011 Award for Excellence in Advertising Law, for the second year in a row. This is an achievement no other law firm has accomplished.

An American Lawyer Global 100 law firm, Venable serves corporate, institutional, governmental, nonprofit and individual clients globally. The firm has headquarters in Washington, DC, and offices in California, Maryland, New York and Virginia.

The firm was founded in Baltimore in 1900, and has over 500 attorneys practicing in more than seventy practice and industry areas, including corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and regulatory and government affairs.

Akin Gump Adds Two Partners to IP Practice

rebneely — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:57 +0000

The law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP recently announced that Chad Everingham, a former U.S. magistrate judge, joined as a partner in its intellectual property practice in the firm’s newly established office in Longview, Texas. In this role, he will advise clients on a variety of intellectual property litigation matters, focusing on patent litigation.

Along with the addition of Everingham is David M. Stein, who joined the firm’s intellectual property practice in the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Everingham has legal experience in both public service and private practice. For four years, he served as a magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas; this is one of the busiest patent litigation courts in the federal system.

Formerly, Stein was a partner at a large international law firm. There, he served as the chief operating officer of its East Texas practice group. He has significant experience litigating patent cases in jurisdictions all over the country.

Steven Zager, head of Akin Gump’s firm wide intellectual property practice was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “The addition of these talented attorneys who have such a deep and impressive set of patent litigation skills is a tremendous addition to our team. Chad literally helped write the book on patent litigation in one of the country’s IP litigation hotspots. Both have intimate familiarity with, and knowledge of, patent litigation that will be a boon not only for our clients, but also for our entire team.”

Everingham was quoted as saying: “These are exciting times for me. Akin Gump enjoys an international reputation for excellence in the handling of complex intellectual property matters. I am delighted to team up with such an experienced complement of trial lawyers. The chance to join one of the country’s top IP litigation practices was a tremendous opportunity that I could not pass up. I’m looking forward to establishing my practice at Akin Gump and bringing over a decade of experience in patent law to bear on behalf of the firm’s clients.”

During his service on the bench, Everingham handled nearly 80 Markman proceedings and tried over twenty complex patent cases. He presided, with the consent of all parties, over more than 200 civil cases, many of which were intellectual property disputes involving industries including medical devices, computer hardware and software, recreational equipment, advanced electronics and semiconductors, automotive and telecommunications. Everingham made significant contributions to the measures designed to facilitate the disposition of complex cases, regarding docket control, discovery and protective order measures.

Stein has been involved in major patent cases involving semiconductor devices and processing, medical devices, sporting goods and various business methods. He has also tried many cases in jurisdictions all over the country. Ranked by The Legal 500 United States (2010) as a leading patent litigation lawyer in the hi-tech, electronics and IT sectors, Stein has also handled many pro bono matters.

Stein was quoted as saying: “Akin Gump has long been a recognized leader in the intellectual property space, and it’s exciting to join its team of accomplished lawyers. I’m very much looking forward to the opportunities this move will present to our clients.”

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has over 800 lawyers in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and was founded in 1945.

Law Firm Kirkland Ellis Commits $2.75 Million to Stanford Law School to Fund Scholars’ Program and Annual Forum

rebneely — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:03:04 +0000

Stanford Law School recently announced law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP has committed $2.75 million over five years to the law school. The funds, which were made possible through the firm’s foundation and through individual partners’ contributions, will fund a scholars program, honoring the law school’s top first-year students, as well as a yearly forum on important legal issues for students, alumni, and the Bay Area business and law community.

Stanford Law School Dean Larry Kramer was quoted as saying in a press release at Kirkland Ellis’s website: “This generous support from Kirkland & Ellis will enable Stanford Law School to continue to transform legal education and prepare the next generation of leaders through innovative, interdisciplinary and international programs, new and expanded forms of clinical education, and a renewed commitment to public service.”

The newly established Kirkland & Ellis Scholars Program will recognize first year law students who have performed at the very highest level. Each year, six first-year students will be designated Kirkland & Ellis Scholars, based on overall scholastic achievement across a variety of courses. Now, students may win awards in individual courses. These awards, known as “book prizes,” will help determine who among the first-year class deserve recognition with the highest honor, the Kirkland & Ellis Scholar designation. The award is unique at the law school.

Kramer was quoted as saying of the program: “The Kirkland & Ellis Scholar designation symbolizes the highest standard of achievement. It is an honor that students will covet and it will benefit them in their pursuit of career and public service goals.”

The Kirkland & Ellis Law Forum offer panel discussions and symposia on emerging legal issues of interest to the business community. Stanford Law School faculty, Kirkland & Ellis attorneys and other legal and business thought leaders from academia, private practice, government, and the public sphere will participate in the discussions.

Jeffrey C. Hammes, Chairman of Kirkland’s Global Management Executive Committee was quoted as saying: “We’re very pleased to support Stanford Law School and excited about these new programs. The opportunity to recognize student excellence and to provide a forum for sharing thought leadership on emerging matters that may challenge and reshape the business and law community fit well with Kirkland & Ellis’s culture and mission.”

Established in 1893, Stanford Law School is one of the nation’s leading institutions for legal scholarship and education, and has worked to establish a new model for legal education that focuses on rigorous interdisciplinary training, hands-on experience, global perspective and focus on public service. The Law School employs more than 50 faculty and hosts over 500 students who are working towards their Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other graduate legal degrees.

Global law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP has over 1,500 attorneys, representing clients in a broad range of matters, including complex litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration, and corporate mergers and acquisitions. The firm has offices in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Shanghai and Washington, D.C.

Three Partners at O’Melveny & Myers Move Into Leadership Roles

rebneely — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:06:40 +0000

The law firm of O’Melveny & Myers announced in recent days that partner M. Randall Oppenheimer was named the new chair of the Firm’s Litigation Department, partner Warren T. Lazarow was named the new chair of the Transactions Department, and partner Mark A. Samuels will become vice-chair of the Firm.

Oppenheimer is a member of O’Melveny’s Business Trial and Litigation Practice. He has over thirty years of trial experience. Often recognized as one of the nation’s leading trial lawyers, he has successfully represented clients in cases involving many different areas of law, including complex business disputes and energy, intellectual property, environmental, antitrust, and regulatory matters.

Oppenheimer was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Our litigators are simply the best at what they do, and I’m honored to lead this extraordinary group. We’re achieving major triumphs for our clients in numerous jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court, and in all stages of litigation from discovery through trial and to appeal, so it’s an exciting time.”

Chair-elect Brad Butwin was quoted as saying: “In his 34 years at O’Melveny, Randy has always been one of the Firm’s most respected, thoughtful, and eloquent voices and among the Firm’s most successful trial lawyers. He and I are committed to establishing a set of priorities designed to lead our award-winning and very busy Litigation Department to even higher levels of achievement for clients.”

Lazarow was formerly the managing partner of O’Melveny’s Silicon Valley office, as well as a member of the Firm’s Policy Committee, which acts as its board of directors. Lazarow is a leading advisor to technology-focused companies and investors in M&A, public offerings, and private financing transactions, including private equity and venture capital, as a member of the M&A and Capital Markets Practices. He has been the recipient of numerous accolades during his distinguished career, including appearing four times on Forbes Magazine’s “Midas List” of the technology industry’s Top 100 Dealmakers Worldwide, and being recognized by publications such as Chambers and Partners (USA and Global), Legal 500, Global Counsel, IFLR, and Practical Law Company.

Lazarow was quoted as saying: “We have excellent transactions lawyers in every region helping clients shape and execute their most ambitious business strategies. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across our many offices and practice areas to leverage our strengths and expand our services.”

Among the Firm’s most experienced and distinguished trial lawyers, Samuels possesses a wide range of experience in complex patent, trade secret, antitrust, and other technology-based litigation. He has served in multiple leadership roles during his long career at the firm, including serving on the Policy Committee. He also served for seven years as chair of the Intellectual Property and Technology Practice. As vice chair, Samuels will focus on day-to-day management and coordination of client service, and integration of the practice of law on a firm wide basis.

Samuels, who resides in the firm’s Los Angeles office, was quoted as saying: “O’Melveny has excellent people and top clients for whom we do outstanding work every day, and I relish this opportunity to work alongside Brad to chart a course for our very bright future.”

O’Melveny & Myers LLP has approximately 850 lawyers in 14 offices worldwide.

Leading White-Collar Crime Defense Attorney Joins Venable LLP

rebneely — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:30:55 +0000

The law firm of Venable LLP announced in recent days that Jan L. Handzlik, who is recognized as one of the country’s leading white-collar crime defense lawyers, has joined the firm as a partner in its Los Angeles office in its national SEC/White-Collar Group.

Handzlik joins from Greenberg Traurig, where he was also a partner. He is a nationally recognized authority on financial frauds, securities enforcement, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and export control matters. He has represented a variety of companies and individuals in the full spectrum of white-collar criminal investigations and prosecutions, including matters regarding allegations of environmental crimes, antitrust violations, tax fraud, financial institution fraud and healthcare fraud, as well as foreign bribery, government contract and export control matters. In addition, he handles complex civil business litigation.

Handzlik also has significant experience with conducting corporate internal investigations, designing law-compliance programs and advising public companies on corporate governance, disclosure and reporting issues. As well, he is an experienced trial attorney, with almost 100 jury trials to verdict. He lectures widely on trial practice, professional ethics and business fraud, and he has also served as independent monitor of a publicly traded company’s compliance with the FCPA and U.S. securities laws.

Internationally, Handzlik often leads investigations into allegations of bribery of foreign officials, violations of the export control and foreign asset control laws, and anti-competition matters. On a worldwide basis, he also seeks the recovery of assets stemming from criminal activity. Handzlik deals with all aspects of white-collar crime matters, including internal investigations, grand jury and enforcement investigations, regulatory and parallel civil and administrative proceedings, and representation at trial and on appeal.

Handzlik has been recognized countless times, in all volumes of The Best Lawyers in America and in PLI’s The International Who’s Who of Business Crime Lawyers; Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers; Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Litigation Lawyers; Mondaq’s Guide to the World’s Leading White Collar Crime Advisors; Lawdragon’s Leading Lawyers in America; and in California Lawyer Magazine as one of California’s Leading Business Lawyers.

Handzlik is also a prominent member of the California Bar. He has served on several boards and investigative commissions. Notable assignments include serving as Counsel to the Independent Warren Christopher Commission and Deputy General Counsel to the Independent William Webster Commission in investigations of the Los Angeles Police Department; Deputy General Counsel to the Rampart Independent Review Panel’s investigation into police corruption and officer-involved shootings; and as a Member of the Rampart After-Action Assessment Panel. In addition, he is also active in pro bono matters in the Los Angeles community.

Venable’s Managing Partner, Karl Racine was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Jan is one of the country’s preeminent white collar defense attorneys, with an enviable trial experience and track record of winning successful outcomes for clients. Not only does he have a superb track record for his clients, but Jan is particularly adept at managing matters that involve intense media scrutiny and reputational risks for clients. Jan is well recognized for his dedication to the Bar, participating heavily in the ABA’s National White Collar Crime Committee, of which he is a former Chairman. We look forward to practicing alongside him and to benefitting from his knowledge and experience in complex criminal and civil litigation matters. It is an honor to welcome him to Venable.”

Handzlik was quoted as saying: “Venable has one of the nation’s leading litigation and business crime defense practices. Venable lawyers have extensive experience directing sensitive investigations, responding to enforcement actions, defending against criminal prosecutions and handling sophisticated civil litigation matters. I’ve known and worked with many of the firm’s highly respected lawyers for years, and am delighted to join the group.”

An American Lawyer Global 100 law firm, Venable LLP was founded in Baltimore in 1900. The firm has seven offices around the country and over 500 attorneys practicing in 70 plus practice and industry areas, including corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and regulatory and government affairs.

Former Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Energy and Natural Resources Joins Foley & Lardner’s LA Office

rebneely — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:52:44 +0000

This week, Foley & Lardner LLP announced Charles E. Schwenck joined as a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office. There, he will work with the Energy Practice Group and Energy Industry Team, as well as the Transactional & Securities and Finance & Financial Institutions Practices.

Prior to the move, Schwenck was a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP; there he served as co-chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Practice.

Schwenck has an impressive resume, with over 30 years of experience with energy, infrastructure and other commercial and industrial projects, in both domestic and international situations, to his credit. He has significant experience in the structuring, drafting and negotiating arrangements for the development, construction, financing, fuel and feedstock supply, product sales, ownership and operation of said projects. Additionally, Schwenck provides representation to developers of energy and water projects before federal and state regulatory agencies, to companies involved in mergers and acquisitions in the energy industry, and to lenders involved in the acquisition of portfolios of energy loans and leases, all on a regular basis.

Schwenck’s experience spans industries and disciplines; he has done work in project finance in engineering and construction, traditional and alternative energy, mining, water supply and treatment, chemicals, transportation, and telecommunications. He has also testified before various Congressional committees and state legislative bodies on behalf of engineering, construction and electric power industries.

Schwenck also has significant experience in the alternative energy industry. This includes his representation in conjunction with the production of electricity from various alternative energy sources, the production of ethanol, biodiesel and other synthetic fuels from various feedstocks, among other areas.

Earlier in his career, Schwenck served in the roles of senior vice president, general counsel and a member of the board of directors of LG&E Power Systems, as well, he served as general counsel at Fluor Corporation and as division counsel for the Bechtel Group’s Power Division.

Steven Barth, co-chair of Foley’s Transactional & Securities Practice was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Charlie has an impressive track record of success representing various stakeholders in energy and infrastructure projects, both in the United States and throughout the world. As we continue to help clients navigate the various financial and regulatory issues that arise in energy-related projects, Charlie’s wide-ranging experience will be instrumental in further strengthening our transactional capabilities.”

Founded in 1842, Foley & Lardner LLP is a full service law firm with over 900 attorneys in 21 offices around the world.

Suspended LA Lawyer to Get 32 Months and Repay $41 Million in Scheme

EmploymentCrossing — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:21:05 +0000

The suspended Los Angeles lawyer Matthew Gale Krane was sentenced on Friday to 32 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for participating, along with the CEO and an attorney-principal of Quellos Group in a tax-shelter scheme involving wealthy investors by the federal district court judge. Krane was pleaded guilty in 2009 as he failed to report a $36 million in income and provided false information on a passport application.

Read the original article here:

Suspended LA Lawyer Gets 32 Months, Must Repay $41M, in Quellos Tax-Shelter Scheme

Seyfarth Shaw Adds Two Partners to Firm

rebneely — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:05:30 +0000

Seyfarth Shaw LLP has recently added two partners to its firm. Leading labor and employment attorney Wanda Holloway has joined as a partner in the Houston office, and Steven Fein has joined the firm as a partner in the Los Angeles office.

Holloway has significant experience working with major multi-national clients on strategic employment and labor law initiatives, nationwide litigation and global risk management/compliance, and day-to-day challenges. She has experience both as trusted outside counsel to major clients in a variety of industries and as in-house counsel for Fortune 50 companies. She joins Seyfarth from Littler Mendelson, P.C.

Lisa J. Damon, chair of Seyfarth Shaw’s Labor & Employment department was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Wanda Holloway is an all-star among labor and employment attorneys and we welcome her to the Seyfarth team. Wanda adds extra depth to our already leading national Labor & Employment department with her vast experience and great outcomes for major clients facing a host of litigation challenges and employment issues.”

Steven Fein specializes in commercial real estate lending and in representing funds and advisors to real estate funds on equity investments in real estate. He joins the firm from DLA Piper.

He has extensive experience in a wide range of commercial real estate transactions, including the formation of joint ventures and their equity investments, lending arrangements, acquisitions, and dispositions as well as workouts and restructurings. He represents institutional investors, pension funds, commercial banks and private investors, both U.S. and foreign-based. He has represented clients in mezzanine, permanent and bridge loan transactions, construction financings and preferred equity investments.

Paul P. Mattingly, chair of Seyfarth Shaw’s Real Estate department was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “As transactional activity starts returning to pre-recession levels, this is the perfect time to add a real estate professional of Steven Fein’s caliber. We are seeing a significant uptick in sales, investments, lending and development deals, not to mention the remaining opportunities in distressed assets. Steven bolsters our real estate practice and creates an experienced and deep roster for institutional clients doing business in California as well as nationally.”

Seyfarth Shaw has over 750 attorneys located in 10 offices throughout the United States. The firm provides a broad range of legal services in the areas of labor and employment, employee benefits, litigation, corporate, and real estate.

Former Clients Sue Bryan Cave, Holland & Knight in Bankruptcy Court

aostler — Fri, 06 May 2011 23:48:47 +0000

Two former clients of Bryan Cave and Holland & Knight are now suing the firms, and alleging that the firms had a part to play in the companies bankruptcies.

The bankruptcy trustees for Estate Financial Inc. (EFI) and Estate Financial Mortgage Fund (EFMF), an affiliate, have filed complaints for malpractice against Bryan Cave on April 28 in Santa Barbara, California.

These trustees are claiming that Bryan Cave and Katherine Windler, Los Angeles restructuring counsel, didn’t watch over EFI and EFMF, and let them fraudulently sell securities that were mortgage-backed to investors. The suits are looking for $100 million in damages from Bryan Cave, and the firm is maintaining that the suits have no merit.

In October 2009, EFI principals Karen Guth and Joshua Yaguda pled guilty to 26 felonies and were sentenced to twelve and eight years in prison, respectively.

Representing Bryan Cave is Kevin Rosen, who is chair of the legal malpractice defense group at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in LA, along with bankruptcy partner Samuel Newman.

Industrial Enterprises of America (IEAM), a company which used to sell automotive chemicals and antifreeze, has also filed a civil complaint against Holland & Knight. The firm has been accused of taking part in a “large-scale scheme to loot IEAM” through “willful participation, gross negligence, conflicts of interest, and fraud” which deprived the company of its own working capital.

IEAM filed for Chapter 11 in May 2009 after being caught running a $60 million stock scheme. Its former chief executive, John Mazzuto, and James Margulies, an outside lawyer and one of the partners who founded Margulies & Levinson, were both indicted in 2010 for the stock scheme which contributed to IEAM’s collapse.

DLA Piper Adds Team of 10 Leading Litigation Attorneys in Sacramento Office

rebneely — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:27:45 +0000

Effective May 1^st, a team of 10 lawyers will join DLA Piper’s Litigation practice in the Sacramento office.

The attorneys hail from the premier litigation firm Stevens, O’Connell & Jacobs LLP, and include co-founders and former U.S. Attorneys Charles J. Stevens and George L. O’Connell, and partners Matthew G. Jacobs and Bradley A. Benbrook. The attorneys have a broad range of experience in internal investigative, white collar criminal defense, special matters, and civil litigation.

J. Terence O’Malley, DLA Piper US Managing Partner was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “Chuck, Matt, Brad, George and their team add immediate depth on the West Coast to our already leading global white collar and government and internal investigations practice. They are highly regarded throughout Northern California and bring an unmatched level of notable experience and credentials to the firm.”

Stevens was President Clinton’s appointee as US Attorney for the Eastern District of California and previously served as an Assistant US Attorney in Los Angeles. Before co-founding Stevens, O’Connell & Jacobs, he was partner in charge of the Sacramento office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

O’Connell joins DLA Piper as senior counsel. He was President George H.W. Bush’s appointee as US Attorney for the Eastern District of California from 1991 until 1993. Prior to serving in this role, he served as an Assistant US Attorney in the Eastern District and headed the Special Prosecutions Unit. Previously, he served as an Assistant US Attorney in the Special Prosecutions Unit of the Los Angeles US Attorney’s Office and in the Sacramento US Attorney’s Office as Chief of the White Collar Crime Unit.

Jacobs returns to DLA Piper after joining Stevens, O’Connell & Jacobs in 2008. Formerly, he served as First Assistant US Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California; Chief of the Special Prosecutions Unit of that office; and Honors Graduate Trial Attorney in the US Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division in Washington, DC.

DLA Piper has 3,500 lawyers in offices throughout the world, and represents more clients in a broader range of geographies and practice disciplines than almost any other law firm in the world.

K&L Gates Adds Partners to Los Angeles and Palo Alto Offices

rebneely — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:03:23 +0000

K&L Gates LLP has added partners to both its Los Angeles and Palo Alto offices.

Seth A. Gold will join the firm’s Los Angeles office as a member of the firm’s intellectual property litigation group, and Jerrold F. Petruzzelli will join the Palo Alto office as part of the firm’s corporate practice.

The pair joins K&L Gates from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and focus their practices on the representation of emerging technology and new media enterprises.

Paul W. Sweeney, Jr., Administrative Partner of K&L Gates’ Los Angeles office was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “We are delighted to expand the IP litigation capabilities in the Los Angeles office, and add depth to our entertainment and media practice.”

Gold has signigicant knowledge about the business models and software applications used for online advertising. He provides legal counsel to both public and private companies on issues involving trademark and copyright infringement, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, as well as issues involving internet continuity programs, keyword advertising, the Communications Decency Act, and Federal Trade Commission inquiries.

Petruzzelli is well known for his corporate representation of technology-based emerging and public companies, as well as venture capital and private equity firms. He has practiced in the Silicon Valley for nearly thirty years.

Jon Michaelson, Administrative Partner of K&L Gates’ Palo Alto office was quoted as saying: “Jerry’s first-rate lawyering skills, extensive experience, and sterling reputation in Silicon Valley add strength to our growing corporate practice in Northern California.”

K&L Gates LLP employs nearly 2,000 lawyers in 37 offices on three continents. The firm represents leading global corporations, growth and middle-market companies, capital markets participants and entrepreneurs in every major industry group as well as public sector entities, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations and individuals.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP Merges with White O’Connor Fink & Brenner LLP

rebneely — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:57:52 +0000

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is merging with White O’Connor Fink & Brenner LLP, a Los Angeles firm with extensive experience in entertainment industry litigation.

The move will strengthen Kelley Drye’s expertise in several practice areas, including First Amendment, antitrust, and intellectual property. The new office will open as “Kelley Drye / White O’Connor.” In turn, all Kelley Drye clients will have access to some of the most well known trial attorneys on the West Coast. In addition, White O’Connor clients now benefit from the expanded geographic reach Kelley Drye provides.

John M. Callagy, partner and Chair of Kelley Drye was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website: “From shared clients to a common culture to complementary legal expertise, this expansion promises to be seamless and will benefit all of our clients.”

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is a multidisciplinary law firm founded in 1836. Its attorneys and professionals meet the needs of U.S. and international companies across a wide spectrum of legal specialties.

The attorneys of White O’Connor Fink & Brenner LLP have extensive experience defending and prosecuting cases involving entertainment, First Amendment, insurance, media-related torts, real estate, copyright, trademark, antitrust, class actions and other complicated commercial disputes.

17 Howrey Attorneys Join Baker Hostetler

rebneely — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:22:29 +0000

Robert G. Abrams, former co-chair of Howrey’s Global Litigation Practice, along with 16 Howrey antitrust and environmental law attorneys have joined Baker Hostetler’s Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles offices.

Seven partners, four counsel and four associates possessing significant antitrust and environmental practice strengths will join the Firm in Washington, D.C. They include Robert G. Abrams, who will serve as the head of Baker Hostetler’s national antitrust practice, and the following individuals, who all join as partners: Gregory L. Baker, Robert J. Brookhiser, Gregory J. Commins Jr., Gilbert S. Keteltas, , Elizabeth B. McCallum and Terry L. Sullivan.

Joanne E. Caruso and Joanne Lichtman have joined the Los Angeles office as partners. They each have significant antitrust, commercial litigation and environmental experience.

National Executive Partner Steven Kestner was quoted as saying in a press release at the firm’s website that: “The addition of Bob Abrams and this highly respected team is another significant step forward for Baker Hostetler’s Washington and Los Angeles offices, our Firm and our clients. These attorneys bring the experience and client relationships that complement and broaden our national litigation team as we deliver the highest quality legal counsel on the most complex and critical issues facing clients today.”

John F. Bruce, William T. DeVinney, Danyll W. Foix and Monica B. Lateef join the Firm as Counsel. Associates joining the Firm are Carey S. Busen, Evan M. Mannering, Bridget S. Merritt and Jocelyn R. Roy.

With over 700 attorneys, global law firm Baker Hostetler serves clients in such diverse industries as hospitality, healthcare, financial services, media, energy, sports and technology.

Jones Day Adds Six Partners to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Offices

rebneely — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:33:06 +0000

Jones Day has added six partners to its firm. John Froemming, previously the head of Howrey’s Trademark Practice Group, and Susan Kayser, a noted trademark litigator, will both join in the firm’s Washington office. David Steuber, Tyrone Childress, David Meyer, and Amy Fink, all of whom are well-recognized lawyers in insurance recovery and general litigation, will join the firm’s Los Angeles office.

In the press release at the firm’s website, Chris Lovrien, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s Los Angeles Office was quoted as saying: “This group not only brings substantial depth to two very important and already strong practices at Jones Day, it is an indication of the continued growth plans we have in Los Angeles and throughout the state.”

Dave Steuber was the Chair of Howrey’s Insurance Recovery practice, and is a recognized leader in his field.

Formerly the Southern California co-managing partner for Howrey and co-chair of its Insurance Recovery practice, Ty Childress focuses his practice on complex business and tort litigation, insurance coverage advice, and related coverage litigation.

Amy Fink focuses her practice on general and complex litigation and insurance coverage advice.

David Meyer’s practice focuses on antitrust, commercial litigation, and appeals.

Greg Shumaker, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s Washington Office was quoted as saying: “John and Susan add great depth to our trademark, copyright, and false advertising capabilities in Washington and their experience will help us deliver better service to our clients. Their arrival enhances our worldwide intellectual property practice, which includes nearly 300 lawyers and allows us to handle virtually any IP issue our clients might have.”

John Froemming is a trial lawyer with over twenty years of experience in commercial and intellectual property litigation.

With fifteen plus years of experience in intellectual property litigation and counseling, trademark, copyright, and false advertising, Susan Kayser has been nationally recognized in her field.

Jones Day is a global law firm providing significant legal representation for more than half of the Fortune Global 500 companies.

17 Year Sentence Given to Former ICE Attorney for Taking Bribes

aostler — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:45:44 +0000

Constantine Kallas, former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorney, and a prominent one at that, received an over 17 year federal prison sentence on Monday, March 21, for taking bribes from immigrants. He was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter in Los Angeles to pay $296,865 in restitution. Although 17 years is one of the longest sentences ever given in a federal bribery conviction, the federal prosecutors in the case originally sought for an over 29 year conviction in the case.

H. Dean Steward, Kallas’s lawyer, a solo practitioner based in San Clemente, CA, plans to appeal the conviction of his client and the sentence. He says that he thinks that the “U.S. attorney’s office … lost all perspective of fairness in the case literally years ago. And whenever you’ve got a 30-year recommendation from them in a white-collar, first-time, nonviolent offender, they should be embarrassed.”

U.S Attorney André Birotte said the following about the case, “Mr. Kallas has received one of the longest sentences ever seen in a public corruption case. Mr. Kallas took hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes – money he obtained by exploiting his knowledge of the immigration system. The lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes, which were wholesale violation of the public trust.”

Last year, Kallas was convicted of 36 charges, including aggravated identity theft, bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, and making false statements to the U.S. Department of Labor.

According to prosecutors, approximately $425,854 was taken in bribes by Kallas from 2003 to 2008. An additional $300,000 was attempted for by Kallas in false claims made for workers compensation and tax credits.

His wife also pled guilty to several charges on November 16, 2009, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 2 of this year.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:26:53 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Monday, November 29th. Here’s a quick look back at Friday’s headlines.

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan added two partners…

Dorsey & Whitney added leading PRC Practitioner Peter Corne as a Partner in its Shanghai office…

International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP recently named ten new partners…

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan Adds Two Partners

joshua — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:16:06 +0000

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP announced that Ron Kriss has joined the firm as a Partner in the Real Estate Practice Group and Chair of the Distressed Property Practice Group, and Paul Shelowitz has joined as a Partner in the Litigation Practice Group, effective immediately.

In the press release at the firm’s site, Alan Klinger, Stroock’s Co-Managing Partner was quoted as saying: “We believe Ron and Paul will be exceptional additions to our Miami Office. There is a very natural fit between Stroock’s existing clientele and expertise and Ron and Paul’s ability to grow and service both current real estate needs in work-out situations as well as development opportunities that will arise as economic conditions improve. They will be an important part of Stroock’s growth in the southeastern U.S. market place, and we are pleased to welcome them to the firm.”

Mr. Kriss was a shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt, where he founded and chaired that firm’s Distressed Property Group. He has handled a broad array of commercial real estate matters. As chair of Stroock’s Distressed Property Practice Group, he will concentrate on representing lenders in loan recovery and investors in the purchase of defaulted loans.

Mr. Shelowitz was also a shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt, where he practiced in the Litigation group. Mr. Shelowitz has more than 20 years of civil litigation experience and focuses his practice on complex real estate contract disputes, large commercial foreclosures, brokerage commission and licensure claims, and a multitude of other real estate related matters.

With over 750 lawyers, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP is an American law firm with offices in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:43:51 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Friday, November 19th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s headlines.

Greenberg Traurig announced that former Motion Pictures Associations of America IP Counsel Joseph Geisman joined its Intellectual Property and Technology Practice…

Prominent life sciences patent attorney Dr. Lauren L. Stevens joined Foley & Lardner…

Nixon Peabody expanded its presence in China through a new affiliation with Hong Kong firm Cheng Wong Lam & Partners…

Former Motion Pictures Associations of America IP Counsel Joins Greenberg Traurig

joshua — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:41:09 +0000

Greenberg Traurig announced today that Joseph Geisman has joined its Intellectual Property and Technology Practice as of counsel in the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Prior to joining the firm, Geisman served as intellectual property counsel at the Motion Picture Associations of America, Inc. (MPAA) for the past three and a half years.

Geisman’s focuses his practice on copyright, trademark, right of publicity, entertainment, media, technology, Internet and First Amendment matters, including related litigation. He also counsels clients on the development, protection and prosecution of intellectual property rights, prosecutes trademark applications and manages intellectual property portfolios.

In the press release, Jeff Scott, co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Los Angeles office was quoted as saying: “Joe’s copyright and trademark experience, coupled with his recent position as a former in-house counsel, make him a great addition to our firm. His practice complements our firm’s media and entertainment transactional and litigation groups, as well as our trademark and brand management team.”

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, full-service law firm with approximately 1800 attorneys serving clients from more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Renowned Patent Lawyers Henry Koda and William L. Androlia Join Tokyo and Los Angeles Offices of DLA Piper

joshua — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 23:42:12 +0000

DLA Piper announced today Henry Koda and William L. Androlia have joined the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology (IPT) practice as Senior Counsel in Tokyo and Los Angeles. They join from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.

Koda, a Japanese authority on US patent law who has written 15 books and over 150 articles, opened Quinn Emmanuel’s Tokyo office and is now Manager of the Tokyo Intellectual Property Group at DLA Piper. His practice focuses on patent litigation/prosecution, and includes all aspects of international trade practice and high technology patent practice.

William L. Androlia was previously an electronic engineer working on communication satellites and deep space vehicles at Philco-Ford Space and Reentry Systems. He also served as an officer in the US Army Signal Corps and worked on the General Staff at Redstone Arsenal managing Army Missile Systems. Androlia is an adjunct professor of US patent law at Pepperdine University Law School. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Patent Law Association and the US Patent Bar. He is also admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

In the press release at the firm’s website, J. Terence O’Malley, DLA Piper US Managing Partner, was quoted as saying: “Henry and Bill have built a thriving patent litigation, prosecution and counseling practice over the 30 years they have worked together, and their unrivaled knowledge and experience will greatly benefit our clients in US-Japan patent matters. Their arrival underscores that DLA Piper is one of few firms that can offer clients world-class lawyers nearly anywhere in the world where they do business, and provide practitioners the resources they need to seamlessly serve their multi-national clients.”

DLA Piper’s global Intellectual Property and Technology practice offers clients comprehensive IP services, including patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets litigation; patent and trademark prosecution, licensing; IP due diligence; and strategic IP asset management. With nearly 400 IP lawyers in 48 cities and 22 countries, the team ranks among the largest IP and technology practices in the world. DLA Piper’s Patent Litigation practice in the US alone includes more than 80 lawyers.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:03:44 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, November 2nd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

The U.S. Justice Department charged former Seyfarth Shaw taxpPartner John Rogers in a $370 million tax scheme…

doeLEGAL announced the release of their cloud-based portal software which provides collaboration solutions for corporate legal departments and law firms…

The Lanier law firm added two attorneys to its Toxic Exposure and Asbestos practice…

Lanier Law Firm Adds Two Attorneys to Toxic Exposure and Asbestos Practice

joshua — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:11:31 +0000

The Lanier Law Firm is expanding its Toxic Exposure and Asbestos practice with the addition of two attorneys to the firm’s recently expanded Los Angeles office.

Trey Jones and Alexandra Shef will focus on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure litigation. Mr. Jones will lead the firm’s Los Angeles asbestos practice group.

Mr. Jones and Ms. Shef previously practiced with Simon, Eddins & Greenstone in Long Beach, California. They join nationally recognized products liability attorney Dana Taschner, who has led The Lanier Law Firm’s Los Angeles office since 2009.

In the press release at the firm’s website, firm founder Mark Lanier was quoted as saying: “We see more and more cases where spouses and children are diagnosed with mesothelioma even though they never worked with asbestos. There is a frightening increase in the number of family members who have contracted mesothelioma because these deadly asbestos fibers were carried into their homes on the clothing of a loved one. It’s a terrible tragedy that’s happening every day.”

Mark Lanier is one of the country’s leading trial lawyers, and a veteran of many courtroom battles on behalf of mesothelioma victims who were exposed to asbestos at work or at home.

The Lanier Law Firm’s attorneys during more than 20 years of representing workers and their families in cases involving mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos. With offices in Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Houston and New York, the Lanier Law Firm is committed to addressing client concerns with effective and innovative solutions in courtrooms across the country.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:04:22 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Tuesday, November 2nd. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

DLA Piper added three attorneys as partners in the litigation practice of its New Jersey office…

Goodwin Procter elected 12 attorneys to the firm’s partnership…

Crowell & Moring added two attorneys to its environmental practice…

Goodwin Procter Adds 12 to Partnership

joshua — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:56:15 +0000

Goodwin Procter LLP, a national Am Law 50 law firm, has elected 12 attorneys to the firm’s partnership, effective October 1.

Regina M. Pisa, chairman and managing partner of Goodwin Procter, called the class “a group of incredibly talented and dedicated attorneys who will play a leading role in the long-term growth of the firm.”

The newly-elected partners are:

Seung W. Baik (Private Equity, Washington, D.C.). Baik’s transaction-based practice focuses primarily on representing private equity investors and their portfolio companies in all manner of financing, business combination and other strategic transactions.
Caroline H. Bullerjahn (Securities Litigation & SEC Enforcement, Boston). Bullerjahn’s practice encompasses securities issues ranging from securities class action and derivatives litigation, to internal investigations and SEC enforcement actions.
Brian C. Devine (White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Boston). Devine represents corporations, officers, directors, and other entities and individuals in a wide range of litigation matters, including criminal prosecutions for securities fraud, conspiracy, and insider trading, civil class actions alleging violations of securities laws, and shareholder derivative lawsuits.
Susanne N. Geraghty (Commercial Litigation, San Francisco). Geraghty focuses her practice on complex civil litigation, including consumer class actions and unfair competition matters.
Teresa K. Goebel (Hospitality & Leisure, San Francisco). Goebel’s practice encompasses commercial real estate transactions, with a focus on the representation of operators and owners in the acquisition, development, financing, management and sale of hotels and other hospitality properties.
Andrew H. Goodman (M&A/Corporate Governance, REITs, Los Angeles). Goodman’s experience includes corporate and securities matters involving public and private companies across industries with an emphasis on REITs, including representing buyers and sellers in merger and acquisition transactions, and issuers and underwriters in capital markets transactions.
Theresa C. Kavanaugh (IP Transactions & Strategies, Life Sciences, Boston). Kavanaugh represents life science and high-technology clients on a variety of patent matters including patent portfolio development, prosecution and risk assessment.
Thomas S. Levato (Securities & Corporate Finance, New York). Levato focuses on capital markets transactions in a variety of industries including life sciences, technology, retail/consumer products, gaming/lodging, and alternative energy/clean tech.
Sabrina M. Rose-Smith (Consumer Financial Services Litigation, Washington, D.C.) Rose-Smith’s practice includes both regulatory compliance counseling and auditing for banks, credit card issuers, mortgage lenders and specialty finance companies, and defending financial institutions against consumer class actions and government enforcement actions.
Michael G. Strapp (IP Litigation, Boston). Strapp has experience in complex commercial litigation and arbitration, securities litigation and patent, trademark, and trade secret litigation and counseling.
Joseph C. Theis, Jr. (Technology Companies, Boston). Theis represents public and private companies in a wide range of industries, including digital media, software, Internet, energy, healthcare information technology and life sciences.
Damian W. Wilmot (Commercial Litigation, White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Boston). Wilmot concentrates his practice on general commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, and governmental and internal investigations.

Goodwin Procter LLP has offices in Boston, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C. The firm’s core areas of practice are corporate, litigation and real estate, with specialized areas of focus that include financial services, private equity, technology, REITs and real estate capital markets, intellectual property, products liability and mass torts.