ATTORNEYS MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: King & Spalding
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j a n u a ry 25, 2 021
M I N O R I T Y L E A D E R S
O F I N F L U E N C E :
ATTORNEYS
W
ith Los Angeles the melting pot that it is, we’re truly a national leader when it comes to influential
minorities and diverse workplaces – and the field of law is no exception. There are some particularly stellar
minority attorneys in the LA region and we’ve alphabetically listed 95 outstanding professionals here, with
insights and information about their careers, practice and successes they’ve achieved.
Congratulations to the class of 2021 who made this list and thank you for working to keep the people and businesses
of Los Angeles protected.
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98 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 25, 2021
MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
Letter from the Publisher
W
e’re pleased to share our Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys special edition.
Based on California Bar Association statistics, the percentage of overall attorneys practicing in California 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 22%. While there is still much
work to be done in terms of achieving a balance that reflects the diversity of our state’s general population, the statistics continue to
improve at a steady clip. The number of minority attorneys newly licensed by the bar last year, in fact, was a solid 47%, so the future
looks bright in terms of increasing diversity.
There are some particularly stellar minority attorneys in the Los Angeles region who happen to be from a broad cultural spectrum.
For our coverage in this issue, we accepted nominations from our readers, the legal profession, and businesses throughout
the region. From there, we narrowed down those considered to be particularly impactful on the legal scene, while serving as
trusted advisors, along with maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We thank them all for their significant
contributions to the Los Angeles business and legal community at large.
Congratulations to each of the superb legal professionals who made the class of 2021.
With respect and appreciation,
Josh Schimmels
Publisher & CEO
Los Angeles Business Journal
The best leaders inspire
us to soar higher.
Delmar S. Thomas, Partner
Yukevich | Cavanaugh is proud to congratulate
our Partner Delmar S. Thomas, for being named
by the Los Angeles Business Journal to the
Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys list.
yukelaw.com
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JANUARY 25, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 99
Congratulations
MOEZ M. KABA
VICKI CHOU
Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys
—Los Angeles Business Journal
HUESTON.COM
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100 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 25, 2021
MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
ADAM ABRAHMS SEAN ANDRADE MATTHEW BENEDETTO GINA BIBBY
Member of the Firm Partner Partner Partner and Global Head of the Fashion Tech Practice
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. Andrade Gonzalez LLP WilmerHale Withersworldwide
A S M G
dam C. Abrahms is a member of the ean Andrade is an exceptionally talented atthew Benedetto is a litigation partner ina Bibby is a partner in the Withers
firm in the Employment, Labor & and creative lawyer who is well known for in WilmerHale’s Los Angeles office corporate team and is the global head of
Workforce Management and Health his ongoing representation of the nation’s with over ten years of experience rep- Withers’ Fashion Tech practice. Bibby’s
Care & Life Sciences practices, in Epstein second largest school district, Los Angeles resenting clients in complex civil, criminal practice focuses on technology, fashion, and
Becker Green’s (EBG’s) Los Angeles office. Unified School District (LAUSD), playing and regulatory matters, often involving crisis fashion technology, helping clients protect
He serves as national co-chair of EBG’s a critical role in leading the District through management and public policy responses. their innovation through commercial agree-
Labor Management Relations Group and the recent chapter of numerous difficult and Benedetto has extensive experience repre- ments, and patent, trademark and copyright
a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, complex, multi-plaintiff tort matters and senting pharmaceutical companies, health- procurement and litigation. She leads a
as well as a member of the firm’s national the subsequent high-stakes efforts to obtain care companies and financial institutions global practice focused on advising fashion
ELWM Steering Committee. insurance coverage for those same multi-mil- in both federal and state False Claims Act tech clients on matters involving corporate
Abrahms has dedicated his practice lion litigations. He has led the defense in (FCA) and whistleblower actions. In the formation, venture capital, corporate trans-
exclusively to representing employers in multi-plaintiff cases and the plaintiff-side of healthcare space, he has unique experience actions, real estate, privacy, e-commerce,
their labor relations needs on a national the insurance recovery efforts in cases involv- litigating California’s Insurance Frauds intellectual property, and more.
basis, having handled matters on the ground ing hundreds of millions of dollars. Prevention Act, a qui tam statute in the Bibby routinely handles matters involv-
in over 20 states, aiding employers in devel- Over the past nine years, Andrade has Insurance Code, including arguing before the ing data privacy, e-commerce, intellectual
oping strategies to remain union-free and, played a critical role in leading LAUSD California Court of Appeal. property and technology licensing, and
in organized operations, to securing and through the Miramonte Litigation – the Benedetto is a national thought-leader on intellectual property counseling. She has
expanding management rights. He has one largest sexual abuse litigation ever facing FCA issues, speaking and publishing widely significant trial experience handling com-
of the largest practices of its kind in the a public school system – and other major, on the topic, most recently on FCA risks plex intellectual property, unfair competi-
market. Abrahms is frequently called upon multi-plaintiff sexual abuse cases. Last year, posed by the federal government’s response tion, and trade secret disputes. Bibby is also
by employers from across the nation to pro- he led LAUSD to a major win resulting in to COVID-19 via the CARES Act. Bened- a registered patent attorney and is admitted
vide strategic guidance and representation the losing insurer paying more than $21 mil- etto also represents clients facing a range of to practice in the US District Courts for the
on their most complicated labor relations lion to the School District for defense costs challenges outside of whistleblower actions. Northern District of California, the Central
issues. with interest. Benedetto also serves on WilmerHale’s Pro District of California and the US Court of
Bono and Public Service Committee. Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
WILLIAM BRIGGS II JOSHUA BRIONES MICHAEL BROPHY LARISSA CALVA-RUIZ
Partner Managing Member Partner and U.S. Regional Divisional Leader Associate
Venable LLP Mintz Withersworldwide Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC
W J M L
illiam J. Briggs, II, a partner with oshua Briones is a son of immigrant farm ichael Brophy is a partner in Withers’ arissa Calva-Ruiz is a key member of the
Venable LLP and a member of the Los workers who came to the United States trust, estate and inheritance disputes Frankfurt Kurnit Entertainment Law
Angeles Board of Police Commission- from Mexico to work in the fields of team and as of July 1, 2020, has been Group based in Los Angeles. She is one
ers, is recognized as a leading trial lawyer Northern California. At young age when regional divisional leader of the firm’s US of a very small community of Latina lawyers
and civil litigator, with extensive experience most boys were playing with Hot Wheels, Private Client & Tax (PCT) division that with expertise in entertainment finance.
in matters pertaining to the entertainment Briones was already riding on a tractor with consists of nearly 100 attorneys. Brophy After working as corporate in house counsel
industry. With over 30 years of experience, his dad and by age 8 he was working in the has extensive experience representing in the biggest bread company in the world,
Briggs has been successful in representing fields starting his day before sunrise. His prominent individuals, families, charities, Grupo Bimbo, Calva-Ruiz moved to the US
some of the most recognizable names in the hard work ethic at an early age was the fuel corporate trustees, private professional fidu- in 2007 to earn her LL.M degree and join
film, television, music, and sports industries. that helped him succeed later in life. ciaries and creditors in high-stakes litigation Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton. In
His clients include actors, musicians, come- Today Briones is managing member of involving complex trusts and estates. His 2015, Calva-Ruiz joined Akin Gump as a
dians, producers, high-net-worth individuals, Mintz’s Los Angeles office and is a highly practice covers a broad range of complex corporate lawyer working on cross-border
athletes, and entertainers. experienced trial lawyer with a nation- matters including, among others, will and transactions, and later on the business of
Because of his substantial courtroom al practice. He has received awards and trust contests, accounting disputes, breach entertainment.
capabilities, Briggs has helped defeat national recognition for his innovative of duty actions, elder abuse and conserva- Calva-Ruiz joined Frankfurt Kurnit in
multi-million-dollar claims brought against approach to the defense of bet-the-company torship disputes and other contested probate 2019, cementing her practice in entertain-
his clients. His practice focuses on disputes litigation. He has represented clients in and fiduciary-related matters. ment finance, and expanding her practice
that involve trademarks, copyrights, the First such industries as financial services, building Brophy also has experience in business into film and television production and
Amendment, defamation, invasion of pri- products, retail, pharmaceuticals, automo- and commercial litigation, including con- distribution. In the past year, Calva-Ruiz has
vacy, right of publicity, guild disputes, profit tive, professional sports, food and beverage, tract, real estate, copyright, Lanham Act, continued to work on high-profile enter-
participation, royalty payments, violations of petroleum, chemical manufacturing, health trade secret, and unfair competition matters. tainment industry projects. She was part
the Talent Agencies Act, and interpretation care, high technology, and higher education. In addition to litigation and trial work, his of the team representing Sherborne Media
and enforcement of talent, executive, distri- practice includes risk assessment and coun- Capital in its portion of a $135 million film
bution, film, and recording contracts. seling, alternative dispute resolution, and financing for Roland Emmerich’s Moonfall.
administrative proceedings.
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JANUARY 25, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 101
CONGRATULATIONS
Russ August & Kabat proudly congratulates our partners and colleagues,
Irene Lee and Benjamin Wang,
on being named among the
2021 MINORITIES OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS.
Russ August & Kabat focuses on representing plaintiffs in patent, trademark,
copyright infringement and complex business litigation matters,
intellectual property protection and licensing, mergers & acquisitions,
and real property transactions and litigation.
www.RAKLaw.com • 310.826.7474
12424 Wilshire Boulevard, 12th Floor Los Angeles, California 90025
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102 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 25, 2021
MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
RALPH CAMPILLO RICARDO P. CESTERO CAMILLA CHAN CYNDIE CHANG
Member Partner Partner Office Managing Partner
Mintz Greenberg Glusker LLP Raines Feldman LLP Duane Morris LLP
R R C C
alph Campillo is a Cuban native who icardo Cestero is an entertainment litiga- amilla Chan is a partner in the litigation yndie Chang is a dynamic and inspi-
came to the US as part of the Peter tion partner at Greenberg Glusker LLP. department at Raines Feldman LLP. She is rational leader in her law firm and the
Pan Kids program in the early 1960s. Cestero is best known for developing a vigorous advocate for her clients – often legal industry. She was president of
Campillo went on to pursue the American creative strategies and winning arguments for finding that the best outcomes are reached the National Asian Pacific American Bar
dream and graduated from USC in 1973 his clients – celebrities, athletes, and sports outside the courtroom. She has experience Association (NAPABA) in 2016-17, which
with a BS degree magna cum laude and later and entertainment companies – in a wide handling a diverse mix of litigation matters, serves as the national voice of the APA
graduated with a JD from UC Davis in 1976. range of entertainment-related disputes and including real estate, entertainment and legal community, and the Southern Califor-
Campillo has always practiced in Los lawsuits. His practice also extends beyond business contracts disputes. Chan works to nia Chinese Lawyers Association (SCCLA).
Angeles and joined Mintz in 2017 and his the entertainment industry to complex develop creative strategies for litigating cases She is on Duane Morris LLP’s governing
addition added critical depth to Mintz’s commercial litigation involving partnership, and to efficiently manage litigation matters Partners Board and is the firm’s Los Angeles
already experienced team of California contract, and real estate disputes. from inception through judgment. managing partner, the first Asian American
litigators, particularly in the complex tort, Cestero has particular expertise in First Recent matters Chan has handled female to serve in that role in the firm’s over
product liability and commercial litigation. Amendment issues, such as defamation include representing a partner in a canna- 100 year history.
Since his arrival, he has shaped the Product and restraint of speech, as well as extensive bis dispensary in Marina Del Rey, where She is also an experienced trial litigator,
Liability Practice into a powerhouse team experience handling motion picture and tele- a partnership dispute involved allegations who is passionate about understanding and
serving Mintz’s deep roster of sophisticated vision production and distribution disputes of fraud and breach of contract, which was partnering with her clients in identifying
clients. With an unparalleled track record and profit participation cases. Over the years successfully settled. She also represented an business concerns, creatively resolving
in high-profile cases involving product lia- handling these types of disputes, Ricardo has IT management company and certain part- disputes, and mitigating risk and litigation.
bility, mass torts, commercial disputes, and built a reputation for delivering exceptional ners in another partnership dispute arising She has tried cases to verdict as first chair
other complex litigation matters, Campillo legal work. His clients include Golden Boy after the termination of one founding part- in various venues, but has also avoided cases
is one of the nation’s foremost trial lawyers. Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, Univision ner, where the dispute involved claims for from litigation through listening and iden-
Communications Inc., Univision Networks breach of contract and breach of fiduciary tifying practical solutions and opportunities
and Studios, The Tolkien Trust, Private duty and cross-claims including misappro- for settlement.
Internet Access, Inc., MD Insider, Inc., Tri- priation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary
color Auto Group, and Ganas Auto. duty, and fraud.
VICKI CHOU MICHELLE A. COOKE VICTOR DE LA CRUZ DORA DE LA ROSA
Partner Partner; Leader of Manatt’s Intellectual Property Partner; Leader of Manatt’s Land Use Practice Associate
Hueston Hennigan LLP Protection and Enforcement Practice Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP Glaser Weil LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
V L D
icki Chou, a recognized rising star and eader of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP’s ora de la Rosa is an associate in Glaser
M
accomplished trial lawyer, is a key mem- ichelle Cooke is a nationally recog- nationally recognized land use practice, Weil’s Real Estate department. Her path
ber of both the Trial Practice and the nized attorney and the go-to advisor Victor De la Cruz has successfully guided to Glaser Weil has been non-traditional.
White Collar and Investigations teams at for companies navigating global his clients through complex land use matters The daughter of Mexican immigrants who
Hueston Hennigan LLP. She represents indi- market expansion, brand development and at the intersection of law and government came to the United States via the Bracero
viduals and companies in high stakes business entrance into the digital landscape, as well for nearly 20 years. Through his record of Program in the 1940s and 1950s, she was
disputes and criminal matters, including as those facing complex, multijurisdictional success, De la Cruz has cemented his position born in Los Angeles and attended LAUSD
complex commercial litigation, intellectual trademark disputes. As leader of Manatt, as the go-to advisor for entitlements and Cal- schools. She received a B.A. in History from
property matters, SEC enforcement actions, Phelps & Phillips, LLP’s intellectual prop- ifornia Environmental Quality Act matters UC Berkeley and a J.D. from Boalt Hall,
and white collar criminal defense. Since erty protection and enforcement practice, for the companies and institutions that are UC Berkeley.
joining Hueston Hennigan, Chou has earned Cooke is known for the breadth and depth shaping Southern California’s landscape with After years of “Big Law” experience, de
leadership roles in several of the nation’s of her knowledge of the intellectual proper- prominent high-value developments. la Rosa was thrilled to join Glaser Weil.
most high-profile bet-the-company cases. She ty landscape both in the United States and De la Cruz’s clients include developers, Years of government service have helped in
has also been involved with developing strat- abroad. She counts well-known entertain- institutions, high-net-worth individuals, her representation of Los Angeles County,
egies related to the defense of some of the ment, multimedia, software, apparel and for-profit companies and nonprofits. Notable among other Glaser Weil clients. Among
highest profile defendants and in terminating consumer products companies among her clients include Mount Saint Mary’s Universi- her notable transactions have been the
high-stakes criminal investigations. She has clients. ty, the American Music and Dramatic Acade- redevelopment of the Victoria Golf Course
earned praise from clients and colleagues Alongside her role leading the firm’s my, Athens Services, Republic Metropolitan, in Carson and the redevelopment of several
achieving her client’s objectives. intellectual property practice, Cooke is a Colas Rail, Foot Locker, Sun Communities, major commercial/residential projects in
Chou is a seasoned trial and appellate member of Manatt’s Board of Directors and and Oportun. An outspoken supporter of the Marina del Rey. de la Rosa continues to
attorney who recently served as an assistant a member of the firm’s Strategic Growth and advancement of underrepresented commu- volunteer with various charitable organi-
United States attorney in the Central Dis- Recruiting Committee. She also serves as nities, he is an active member of the Board zations and serves on the firm’s Diversity
trict of California in both the Criminal and chair of Manatt’s Committee for Diversity & of Directors of Bet Tzdek Legal Services, the Committee.
National Security Divisions and was a deputy Inclusion (CD&I), a committee appointed Mexican American Bar Foundation, Uncom-
chief. by the firm’s board. mon Good and Community Partners.
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JANUARY 25, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 103
MINORITY LEADERS OF MOST
INFLUENCE:
INFLUENTIAL
ATTORNEYS
ROCKARD “ROCKY” DELGADILLO WILLIAM DELGADO MARISSA DENNIS ANET DRAPALSKI
Partner Partner Partner, Office Operating Partner Partner
DLA Piper DTO Law of Los Angeles Office Fisher Phillips LLP
Allen Matkins
R A A
ockard “Rocky” Delgadillo has more relentless litigator with an unmatched s a partner at Fisher Phillips, Anet Dra-
M
than 30 years of experience in litigation, obsession for superior results, Will arissa M. Dennis is a litigation partner palski serves as a key advisor to employers
economic development transactions, Delgado represents huge names such as in the Los Angeles office of Allen across California in a diverse group of
and government law and public policy, Costco, Target, Honda, and Nature’s Boun- Matkins where she was recently industries, including technology, hospitality,
including serving an eight-year tenure as ty, among others, and approaches litigation appointed office operating partner. She also fashion, financial services and automotive/
the City of Los Angeles City Attorney. As with a clear focus: win, as fast as possible. To serves as the co-chair of the firm’s Diversity autonomous vehicles. She defends employ-
the city’s chief lawyer and chief criminal do that, he dives into his clients’ business and Inclusion Committee. Her litigation ers against a wide range of employment law
prosecutor, Delgadillo led more than 550 so that he has a clear understanding of what practice is focused on commercial, real claims, including disability, race, age, and
attorneys who comprise the second largest matters, what doesn’t, what creates leverage, estate, and financial services litigation. gender discrimination, sexual harassment,
municipal law firm in the nation. He was and what triggers a successful outcome. Dennis commonly represents commercial retaliation, and unlawful termination of
the first Latino to win citywide office in In his over 15 years of practice, Delgado landlords, tenants and developers in a vari- employment. Drapalski also defends employ-
more than 100 years when he was elected has litigated and tried numerous cases rang- ety of breach of contract and tort actions, ers against wage and hour class action claims
in 2001. ing from straightforward commercial matters as well as national lenders and servicers in and representative claims under the Private
Today, as a partner in DLA Piper’s Los to complex patent cases. Currently, he complex consumer finance litigation. She Attorney General Act.
Angeles office, Delgadillo works closely with focuses his practice on intellectual property also has extensive experience representing In addition, Drapalski works to prevent
a variety of local companies to offer advice and class action defense. He has litigated technology companies in unfair competi- litigation by providing preventative counsel-
on strategic development and growth. intellectual property claims in numerous dis- tion and false advertising claims, includ- ing for employers. This includes updating and
Among his recent work has been advising trict courts, including the Eastern District of ing in multiple class actions. Dennis has providing advice regarding the status of Cal-
an aerospace manufacturer in matters relat- Texas and the District of Delaware as well as chaired numerous jury trials, bench trials, ifornia’s many changing laws, sound person-
ed to the pandemic, while assisting the com- appeared before the U.S. Court of Appeals and arbitrations, and has argued before the nel policies, sexual harassment and human
pany in acquisitions; and guiding real estate for the Federal Circuit and the International California Court of Appeal and federal and resources training, implementation of leave
investment firm Square Mile Capital Man- Trade Commission. state courts throughout California. A large polices, employee defection and trade secrets,
agement in the opening of an eight-story, portion of her practice of late has been employee classification, and compliance with
253-room, 206,000 square foot Hilton Hotel representing landlords and tenants in Fair workplace regulations. Drapalski was born in
in Santa Monica. Market Rent disputes. Jalisco, Mexico and is fluent in Spanish.
B U C H A LT E R . C O M
A Z | C A | O R | WA
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
Los Angeles Business Journal
2021 Minority Leaders of Influence
Mercedes O. Martin Masahisa Mitsunaga
Shareholder Shareholder
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104 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 25, 2021
MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
SIERRA ELIZABETH E. MARTIN ESTRADA SHAREEF FARAG AMBER FINCH
Partner Partner Partner Partner
Kirkland & Ellis LLP Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP BakerHostetler Reed Smith
S T S A
ince joining Kirkland, Sierra Elizabeth here’s truth to the adage that success hareef Farag represents employers in all mber Finch is a partner in Reed Smith’s
has become one of the top litigation begets success, and for trial lawyer types of litigation and provides compre- Los Angeles office. She is also the part-
partners in Kirkland’s Los Angeles office. Martin Estrada, prominent courtroom hensive counseling on employment-re- ner chair of the firm’s African American
She is a cornerstone of Kirkland’s Black wins have led to increasingly complex and lated matters. Most significantly, Shareef Business Inclusion Group STAARS, (Sus-
community, and a passionate advocate for high-profile assignments from clients such as focuses his practice on managing the most taining and Training African Americans at
the advancement of disadvantaged popula- Southern California Edison, BNSF Railway, complex and highly sensitive cases includ- Reed Smith), which works to increase and
tions. She continues to be a leading figure Wells Fargo Bank and Plains All American ing a difficult dispute between a company support the growth of black lawyers and
at Kirkland serving as co-chair of the firm’s Pipeline. In fact, there are few Hispanic and a former executive. Employers face administrative staff at Reed Smith across all
Racial and Ethnic Diversity subcommittee. trial lawyer in Los Angeles whose practice challenging issues each day and often turn ranks.
Elizabeth has taken a leading role in matches the depth and breadth of Estrada’s. to Shareef on managing their workforce and A member of the firm’s Insurance Recov-
many complex and high-profile commercial After seven years at the US Attorney’s mitigating risk. ery Group since joining in 2011, Finch has
litigations. She has represented well over 50 Office, Estrada rejoined Munger, Tolles Farag is active in the National Employ- quickly become a go-to lawyer for creating
clients in nearly 20 different jurisdictions & Olson as a partner, where he primarily ment Law Council, an organization that effective risk management solutions. With
across the country and abroad, in over 20 represents companies and their executives strives to be the premiere organization for her litigation background, she has helped
industries. She has an impressive client ros- in complex litigation, and conducts sensi- all experienced management-side labor her commercial policyholder clients recover
ter including General Motors LLC, 3M, 19 tive internal investigations. In total, he’s and management-side employment law hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance
Entertainment and dick clark productions, tried more than 30 federal and state trials attorneys and human resources leaders of proceeds. She represents a litany of clients
Goldcrest Film Distribution III Limited, and arbitrations, argued more than a dozen color practicing by providing an unparal- from start-up businesses to middle market
Royal Bank of Scotland, and Toll Bros., who appeals and conducted hundreds of investi- leled platform for innovative community and Fortune 500. She helps companies
she represents in their most significant liti- gations. He served as a member of the firm’s and relationship-building, meaningful manage risk by negotiating broader insur-
gation including contract and business torts, management committee from May 2019 professional advancement, and dynamic ance coverage on the front end, negotiating
class actions, product liability and toxic until recently, and has now transitioned to mentoring. Farag is also very active with insurance and indemnity provisions in deal
torts, and intellectual property and enter- the firm’s Compensation Committee. BakerHostetler’s Diversity and Inclusion contracts, assisting with tender and collec-
tainment matters. programs and is also active with the Cali- tion on claims, and litigating insurance and
fornia Minority Counsel Program. indemnity disputes.
TERRENCE FRANKLIN MICHAEL GERVAIS ALBERT GIANG LISA GILFORD
Partner Partner Partner Partner
Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise LLP Susman Godfrey LLP King & Spalding Sidley Austin LLP
T M A L
errence (Terry) Franklin had been prac- ichael Gervais is an accomplished trial lbert Giang’s cutting-edge practice focus- isa Gilford is one the preeminent first-
ticing trusts and estates litigation for lawyer who represents plaintiffs and es on defending tech startups and public chair trial lawyers in the country represent-
nearly 25 years before he discovered that defendants in cutting-edge litigation. companies against class actions, regula- ing clients in a wide variety of industries,
his legal career was the path to his mission Most recently, Gervais was one of nine tory enforcement, and other litigation, and including automotive, pharmaceutical,
in life – to ‘Help Bend the Arc of History lawyers appointed to the leadership group on crisis management for disrupters who are communications, oil and gas, aerospace and
Towards Justice’ by sharing the story of his representing a proposed nationwide class of navigating novel legal and regulatory issues. chemical manufacturing, sports and higher
family’s experience escaping from slavery, consumers suing TikTok and its parent com- A thought leader in the tech industry, his education. Her stellar reputation representing
nearly two decades before the end of the pany for privacy violations. And last year, high-profile clients include Lyft, Postmates, big-name clients in class actions, multidis-
Civil War. he achieved a full defense verdict for energy Eaze, TikTok, Weedmaps, and FabFitFun. trict litigation, products liability matters and
Franklin’s efforts in the diversity and company Vitol in a major antitrust victory. Giang has built an impressive track record large-scale commercial disputes has earned
inclusion space have been lauded by the For the past four years, Gervais has rep- for passionate advocacy on some of the most her multiple accolades from various trade and
legal community. One example is Franklin resented a class of indigent misdemeanor pressing legal issues – a pillar of influence in industry publications. Gilford is particularly
being “Highly Commended” in the category arrestees pro bono in a landmark case to the technology, appellate and pro bono fields. adept at handling matters with scientific or
of “Outstanding Contribution to Furthering challenge the money bail scheme in Harris In addition to defending clients as out- technical aspects, and frequently work with
the Advancement of Diversity in the Legal County, Texas. Along with Civil Rights side litigation counsel, Giang serves as “go and prepare engineers, physicians, computer
Profession.” He was also selected by the Corps and the Texas Fair Defense Project, to” counsel for his clients on issues such as scientists, economists and other technical
National Black Lawyers, a professional and Gervais’ work helped secure a sweeping pre- arbitration strategy, platform liability, unfair experts for deposition and trial.
educational organization comprised of the liminary injunction from a Houston federal competition, employment misclassification, Gilford also serves as the Diversity Com-
nation’s premier African American attor- judge, who struck down Harris County’s the Communications Decency Act, and the mittee co-chair of Sidley’s Greater Los Ange-
neys, for inclusion in its list of Top 100 Law- money bail system. The decision focused Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Last les offices and is a member of Sidley’s CCPA
yers in California. Franklin actively mentors national attention on the countrywide year, he led the team that won a complete Litigation Task Force. She is consistently at
Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise LLP’s practice of jailing poor people because they dismissal with prejudice of a nationwide class the forefront of influential work targeting
minority lawyers and supports them taking are unable to afford bail when arrested for action alleging robotexting by Postmates, in women and minorities.
leadership roles in organizations to increase minor offenses. a case with important implications for vicar-
their visibility and build their practice. ious liability.
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JANUARY 25, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 105
MINORITY LEADERS OF MOST
INFLUENCE:
INFLUENTIAL
ATTORNEYS
HENRY GONZALEZ DEMETRIA L. GRAVES JAMEL A.R. GREER ROBERT S. GUTIERREZ
Partner Certified Family Law Specialist and Managing Partner Associate Of Counsel
Andrade Gonzalez LLP The Graves Law Firm Akerman LLP Ballard Spahr LL
H D J D
enry H. Gonzalez is a founding partner emetria Graves, a certified family law amel Greer focuses his practice on rep- uring a legal career spanning three
at Andrade Gonzalez LLP, one of the top specialist, currently serves as the sec- resenting clients in the higher education decades, Robert S. Gutierrez, of counsel
minority-owned litigation boutiques in retary of the Family Law Executive and collegiate athletics sector. His experi- in Ballard Spahr’s award-winning prac-
the Los Angeles area. After graduating from Committee with the California Lawyers ence includes representing higher education tices in media, entertainment, and copyright
Harvard Law School and receiving his bach- Association. She also currently co-chairs institutions in matters involving regulatory law, has played a leading role in high-profile
elor’s degree from UC Berkeley, Gonzalez the African American Alumni Association and compliance issues at the local, state and and landmark cases involving major media
began his legal career at Munger, Tolles & at Loyola Law School and is a mentor to federal level, in conducting training for board outlets and some of the biggest entertain-
Olson. Initially, he focused his practice on a several law students and young attorneys. members on the Freedom of Information Act ment industry names and companies in Hol-
wide array of commercial litigation, complex Graves serves as a Judge Pro Tem with the (FOIA), Open Meetings Act, and general lywood and beyond. Recently, Gutierrez has
and mass torts, and white-collar criminal Los Angeles Superior Court. Additionally, board governance. maintained his position on the front lines
matters. Gonzalez has expanded his practice she is an adjunct professor and has taught at Greer routinely counsels higher education of high-profile battles to protect the rights
to include the defense of public entities, Abraham Lincoln Law School and West Los institutions on issues of student and employ- of his clients in cases with important rami-
insurance coverage, labor and employment Angeles Community College. ee privacy, including the Family Educational fications not only for his clients, but for the
matters, and litigating trademark, misappro- Graves continues to work diligently to Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the law itself as it relates to copyright, the First
priation of trade secrets, and unfair business ensure diversity in the legal profession and Health Insurance Portability and Account- Amendment, defamation, and related issues.
practices disputes. work with her colleagues across all organi- ability Act (HIPAA). Greer also handles Gutierrez is a litigator and counselor who
Gonzalez has first and second chaired zations to provide informative programs for various investigations involving alleged advises clients across the media and enter-
numerous jury and bench trials. He has lawyers of color and women seeking judicial mistreatment of student-athletes, Title IX tainment industry, representing them on a
been part of trial teams that have obtained appointments. Practicing in Family Law, discrimination claims, and NCAA investi- spectrum of issues, including contract, own-
multi-million dollar verdicts in commercial and serving on several boards in California, gations involving potential violations by stu- ership, and royalty disputes; idea submission
litigation and employment matters, includ- she has become very aware of the necessity dent athletes, coaches and staff. In addition, and copyright and trademark infringement
ing first chairing several federal court trials of well-rounded judges and she is beyond he represents higher education institutions in claims; and matters involving allegations of
that resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts dedicated to ensuring that we have bright, litigation matters, and serves as a lead attor- defamation, invasion of privacy, and unfair
for his clients for trademark and copyright diverse, and knowledgeable judges in our ney in ongoing concussion litigation involv- competition.
infringement. community. ing collegiate student-athletes.
Davis Wright Tremaine congratulates
our friends and colleagues, Diana Palacios
and Giancarlo Urey, for being honored
among the Los Angeles Business Journal’s
2021 Minority Leaders of Influence:
Attorneys list.
DWT.COM
Anchorage | Bellevue | Los Angeles | New York
Portland | San Francisco | Seattle | Washington, D.C.
097-119_MinoritySUPP.indd 105 1/20/21 2:18 PM
106 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 25, 2021
MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
SUSAN GUTIERREZ PATRICK HARDER MIRA HASHMALL R. STERLING HENDERSON
Partner Chair, Infrastructure Group Partner Partner
Proskauer Nossaman Miller Barondess, LLP Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt
S O M R
usan L. Gutierrez is a trial lawyer spe- ver the past several years, Patrick ira Hashmall is an experienced litigator . Sterling Henderson is a partner prac-
cializing in high-stakes matters across Harder – chair of Nossaman’s Infrastruc- who represents clients in all phases of ticing in the Los Angeles office of Gibbs
industries. She is a litigator and advisor ture Group – has served as the leader litigation, from pre-litigation coun- Gidden and is licensed in the states of
to Fortune 500 companies in the consumer of the legal team advising on several of the seling to appellate proceedings. She has Alaska and Washington. He represents a
products, pharmaceutical, media, entertain- largest, most innovative, most impactful, successfully represented clients in federal and variety of corporate and individual clients,
ment and sports industries, including Cre- and most technically complex Public-Pri- state court jury trials, including healthcare including business and property owners,
ative Artists Agency and the National Bas- vate Partnership (P3) projects in the Unit- companies, commercial banks, government general contractors, subcontractors, and
ketball Association. Promoted to partner at ed States and California. These projects agencies, and entertainment studios; and material suppliers, in a wide range of com-
Proskauer in 2018, she has been trial coun- include the Convention Center Renovation has successfully represented clients in federal plex business, commercial, and construction
sel for multiple clients in complex product and Expansion for the City of Los Angeles, appeals involving First Amendment claims, negotiations and disputes.
liability trials including most recently for the massive $7 billion Landside Access insurance coverage issues, defamation and Henderson specializes in the prosecution
Johnson & Johnson in the highly-publicized Management Program (LAMP) at the Los libel claims, and employment disputes. and defense of litigation matters involving
talcum powder litigation. Aneles International Airport – which is Hashmall is a Certified Specialist in claims for breach of contract and construc-
Gutierrez has tried multiple high-profile currently under construction, and the Appellate Law, The State Bar of California tion-related claims, including construction
cases to verdict in state and federal courts recently completed UC Merced 2020 proj- Board of Legal Specialization. She developed delay, mechanics liens, payment and perfor-
throughout the country. She also has signifi- ect for the University of California Board of significant expertise representing clients mance bonds, and judgment enforcement
cant experience coordinating and managing Regents. Progress has continued unfettered in appellate proceedings before the U.S. proceedings. He is also experienced in the
large, complex actions from the pleading on many of the projects he leads despite the Supreme Court, the California Courts of defense of civil and administrative mal-
stage through discovery and trial, including ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Appeal, and the Courts of Appeals for the practice actions and insurance matters, and
cross-jurisdiction matters involving multiple Harder traces his family roots back to the Sixth, Ninth and Tenth Circuits. She has has advised on several real estate and com-
parties, counsel, and case issues. Recent key town of Ajijic along Lake Chapala, in the been appellate counsel in matters involving mercial transactions. Prior to joining Gibbs
clients include Gilead and Mattel/Fisher State of Jalisco – his mother was born and real estate developments, contract disputes, Giden, Henderson specialized in the defense
Price, among others. When she is not in the raised in the region and he lived there as a whistle-blower actions and malicious prose- of medical malpractice and general liability
courtroom, Gutierrez is fostering diversity in child. He has many family members still cution claims. actions.
the legal profession. living in the area.
VICTOR HSU SHADI ENOS JAHANGIR ROLAND M. JUAREZ MOEZ KABA
Partner Partner Partner Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP Blank Rome LLP Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Hueston Hennigan LLP
V S R M
ictor Hsu is a partner in Norton Rose hadi Enos Jahangir focuses her practice in oland Juarez is known for handling high- oez Kaba is a co-founder of Hueston
Fulbright’s Los Angeles office, and the the areas of commercial lending and cor- stakes labor and employment cases for Hennigan LLP. He has, at the age
head of the firm’s Los Angeles public porate finance. She represents financial some of California’s largest and most of 39, stacked up an enviable record
finance group. Hsu’s municipal securities institutions, leading private equity sponsors, high-profile employers in the service, manu- of trial and appellate victories. Kaba has
practice emphasizes public power, transpor- and corporate borrowers in middle-market facturing, retail and aerospace industries, suc- prevailed in trials and arbitrations across
tation, water, wastewater, and general city debt financings and investment-grade credits. cessfully defending clients against the most the nation, including, most recently, a com-
and county financings. His clients include Her experience includes widely syndicated, challenging wage and hour, discrimination plete win – on all claims – for Amazon in a
the Southern California Public Power club and single-lender representation in con- and non-compete claims facing employers. breach of contract and tortious interference
Authority, the Los Angeles County Metro- nection with traditional asset-based lending Juarez’s innovative courtroom strategies suit brought against it by eBay.
politan Transportation Authority and the facilities, as well as cross-border financings, have secured impressive victories for his cli- Kaba has also obtained at trial: a com-
San Diego County Regional Transportation restructurings, acquisition financings and ents, ranging from using creative arguments plete defense verdict for renowned research
Commission. He has worked on some of the recapitalizations. She also represents clients concerning jurisdiction to substantially limit university California Institute of Technology
firm’s most high profile public finance mat- in senior-secured, first-lien/second-lien, mez- client exposure in a matter concerning a after a four-week jury trial in a $65 million+
ters over the last several years. zanine, unitranche, and unsecured financing California military base; protecting a client’s tortious interference and whistleblower
Earlier this year, Hsu was inducted as transactions. competitive advantage by applying Califor- case; a jury verdict in favor of entrepreneur
a fellow of the American College of Bond Her recent work includes representing the nia’s “trade secret exception” for a manufac- William Koch on claims of fraud, deceptive
Counsel (ACBC). This honorary society world’s largest international live sound rein- turer of well-known personal hygiene prod- business practices and false advertising relat-
recognizes “lawyers who have established forcement and touring support company, in ucts; and repeatedly finding breakthroughs ed to the sale of counterfeit high-end wine,
reputations among their peers for their skill, an acquisition financing of a leading provider in multiple arbitration wins for a California including a $12 million punitive damages
experience and high standards of profes- of services in the same industry with opera- aerospace giant, including two that went award; and a complete defense judgment in
sional and ethical conduct in the practice tions across the United States, the United through a full arbitration hearing. With a wrongful termination suit for the State Bar
of bond law.” Membership in ACBC is Kingdom, and Australia. She also represented the pandemic, Juarez has taken on emer- of California and the former president of its
extremely limited and is composed of the the borrower in the nation’s largest Main gent novel questions on compensable time board of trustees.
nation’s most accomplished lawyers in the Street Loan Program financing issued at the brought about by new procedures.
field of municipal securities law. time in connection with the CARES Act.
097-119_MinoritySUPP.indd 106 1/20/21 3:11 PMJANUARY 25, 2021 CUSTOM CONTENT – LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 107
MINORITY LEADERS OF MOST
INFLUENCE:
INFLUENTIAL
ATTORNEYS
BRIEN KELLEY IRENE LEE RODNEY LEE MARK Y. LIU
Partner Partner Partner Partner
Sklar Kirsh LLP Russ August & Kabat Loeb & Loeb Akerman LLP
B I R B
rien R. Kelley is a partner at Sklar Kirsh rene Lee is a partner at Russ August & odney Lee, a partner in Loeb & Loeb’s orn in China but raised in the Midwest,
LLP in the Real Estate Department. His Kabat, where she focuses her practice on all Trust & Estates Litigation practice, has Mark Liu started his legal career at Aker-
practice focuses on complex real estate aspects of intellectual property, including always wanted to be a “fixer.” He viewed man LLP in the Miami office on 2005.
transactions, with significant experience patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, a career in law as his opportunity to help After a three-year stint in Hong Kong, help-
in commercial and multi-family residential and IP licensing. She has extensive experi- people and become their trusted advisor. ing take Chinese companies public on the
acquisitions and dispositions and real prop- ence in trademark and copyright prosecution, And, as an African American man, Lee’s Hong Kong Stock Exchange and focusing
erty secured financing. litigation, and licensing with an emphasis on uncompromising advocacy for his clients on cross-border Asia and US investment
Throughout his career, Kelley has suc- global brand expansion and content man- was motivated by the fact that many Black and M&A transactions, Liu returned to
cessfully represented institutional and family agement through strategic IP protection and individuals in the upper stratospheres of Akerman (in the LA office) in 2016.
office real estate investors, syndicators, enforcement programs. In addition, as a reg- wealth didn’t have someone like him who Liu currently represents U.S. and
developers, operators and borrowers in a istered patent attorney, she counsels clients could forge a clear path to pass wealth on international companies and financial
broad range of real-estate related matters. regarding patent prosecution, acquisition, to their future generations. As a result, he institutions in a wide variety of public and
In 2020, he was the sole legal counsel for litigation, and licensing with an eye toward made it his mission to fill this need. private capital markets transactions, as well
Tides Equities, LLC, a real estate investment adding value to their businesses. Based in Loeb & Loeb’s Los Angeles as in M&A, joint venture or private equity
firm based in Los Angeles, in connection Lee represents clients in a wide range of office, Lee brings more than 15 years of investment transactions. His experience
with over $955 million in acquisition and industries, including automobile, entertain- experience in general business and trust and includes leading offerings of equity in initial
disposition transactions. Among other ment, fashion, pharmaceutical, integrated estate matters, concentrating on estate, trust public offerings (IPOs), secondary equity
notable work last year, Kelley represented circuits, security and surveillance, house- and fiduciary litigation, including disputes offerings, pre-IPO and venture financings,
a client in connection with a $100 million wares, baby products, and food and beverages. involving issues of undue influence, lack of Regulation D, Regulation S and Rule 144A
joint venture portfolio acquisition of three Clients from varying industries seek and heed capacity, breach of fiduciary duty, and elder offerings, exchange offers, and other public
multifamily apartment projects located Lee’s advice and her peers respect her opin- abuse. He also has extensive experience and private equity and debt offerings, as
in Raleigh, North Carolina and a client ion because of her considered and precise advising clients on the removal of personal well as cross-border M&A and investment
in connection with the $83 million joint legal analysis balanced against her practical representatives and trustees. transactions.
venture acquisition of a 582-unit apartment and pragmatic approach to legal problems
community located in Mesa, Arizona. with real-life solutions.
Congratulations to our partner Shadi Jahangir
on being named to the LA Business Journal’s
2021 Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys.
Shadi’s commitment to the highest standards of
achievement at work and in her community is outstanding
and we are fortunate to call her our colleague.
Chicago • Cincinnati • Fort Lauderdale • Houston • Los Angeles • New York • Philadelphia
Pittsburgh • Princeton • San Francisco • Shanghai • Tampa • Washington • Wilmington
Attorney advertising. © 2021 Blank Rome LLP. All rights reserved.
097-119_MinoritySUPP.indd 107 1/20/21 3:12 PM108 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL – CUSTOM CONTENT JANUARY 25, 2021
MINORITY LEADERS OF INFLUENCE: ATTORNEYS
PAUL LOH A. ALEXANDER “ALEX” LOWDER ANDREA LUCAN MATTHEW H. MARMOLEJO
Managing Partner Partner Partner Partner
Willenken LLP Larson LLP Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Mayer Brown LLP
M A A M
anaging partner Paul Loh is a founding lex Lowder is a partner at Larson LLP. kin Gump partner Andrea Lucan is atthew H. Marmolejo is a Litigation &
member of Willenken LLP. Founded He earned his A.B. from Harvard Uni- a leading lawyer in Los Angeles and Dispute Resolution partner in Mayer
in 2002, Willenken is an elite minori- versity. Lowder’s practice focuses on throughout the energy industry. She reg- Brown’s Los Angeles office. His prac-
ty-owned, majority women boutique liti- white collar criminal defense and commer- ularly shepherds highly complex transactions tice centers on representing automobile and
gation firm. Loh is Asian American and a cial litigation, including complex contract for clients – often major Southern California motor vehicle equipment manufacturers
native Mandarin speaker. He has nearly 30 disputes and class actions. In civil matters, players such as BYD Americas and Southern in various contexts, including high-stakes
years of experience representing (mostly on he has represented clients in complex California Edison – involving the sale, acqui- litigation. His recent work in this area has
the defense side) major leading American breach of contract matters, product liability sition, development and financing of renew- included representing Nissan Motor Co. in
and Asian corporations in both civil and actions, and civil rights disputes. His crim- able energy projects. a lawsuit in connection with the sale of two
criminal litigation matters. inal experience includes representing indi- Lucan’s practice focuses on project Southern California dealerships.
Loh represents Fortune 500 clients in viduals and corporations in federal and state development and finance, with a particular However, most of Marmolejo’s work is
high-stakes, complex commercial litigation investigations and prosecutions, including emphasis on representing companies engaged behind the scenes, helping his clients nav-
matters, focusing on product liability and at trial. in the development, financing, construction igate regulatory matters. He has extensive
major torts, white collar defense and gov- Throughout his career, Lowder has rep- and operation of solar power, wind power, experience, for example, representing man-
ernment investigations, and class actions resented clients ranging from fintech and energy storage and other alternative energy ufacturers in motor vehicle safety matters,
cases. Paul is an outlier, compared to lawyers municipalities to media and entertainment projects. Her experience extends to all ele- including National Highway Traffic Safety
of his generation, in that he has spent much companies and actors. Most recently, he ments of alternative energy development and Administration proceedings involving com-
of his impressive legal career truly trying worked on the case United States v. Major finance, including merger and acquisition pliance with the National Traffic and Motor
cases. In fact, he has tried over 120 jury tri- Aragon R. Ellwanger, in which Larson LLP transactions, equity and debt financing, Vehicle Safety Act and the Transportation
als, court trials, and arbitrations. As a result represented U.S. Air Force Major Ellwanger equipment purchase and sale agreements, and Recall Enhancement, Accountability and
of his substantial trial experience, leading against charges related to the allegations power purchase agreements. Lucan has spear- Documentation Act. This area of law allows
companies turn to him for some of the most that he performed an unauthorized surgical headed several significant renewable energy Marmolejo to operate at the intersection of
challenging cases on their dockets. procedure. After a week-long trial, Major transactions for leading energy companies. technology and automobile safety, working
Ellwanger was found not guilty on all with transportation and mobility issues that
counts. impact people’s everyday lives.
MERCEDES O. MARTIN DAVID MARTINEZ MASAHISA MITSUNAGA VISHWANATH KOOTALA MOHAN
Shareholder Partner; Elected Member of the Firm’s Executive Shareholder Associate
Buchalter Board; Member of the Firm’s Diversity Committee; Buchalter Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC
Firm Pro Bono Chair, California Offices
M M V
ercedes Martin is an active participant Robins Kaplan LLP asahisa (Masa) Mitsunaga is a share- ishwanath Kootala Mohan is an asso-
in Buchalter’s Diversity Committee holder in the Los Angeles office of ciate in the Entertainment Litigation
D
and Women’s Committee, and has avid Martinez is a partner at the national Buchalter. He is chair of the Japan Group at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz,
been instrumental in implementing firm trial law firm Robins Kaplan LLP, and Practice group and a member of the firm’s PC, based in Los Angeles. He advises on
wide diversity events to shape the firm’s one of the firm’s most prominent leaders. Corporate and Intellectual Property groups. a wide variety of entertainment and media
culture across its growing number of offices As an elected member of Robins Kaplan’s His clients see Mitsunaga as a solution law disputes. He has represented high-pro-
in the West Coast. Last June, Martin was Executive Board, he is a key decision-maker provider, and he has represented numerous file Hollywood celebrities, social media
elevated to shareholder. She is one of the on all major policy decisions made by the Japanese clients in connection with their influencers, production companies, interac-
youngest females to be promoted to Share- 250-attorney, eight-office law firm. challenging legal matters including large tive entertainment companies, and publish-
holder at the firm. He is also a leader in the eyes of his business and strategic transactions and busi- ing companies. He is also a thought leader,
In a short period of time, Martin has clients. Martinez represents a wide range of ness disputes in the United States for over writing and frequently presenting on current
assumed a leading role in representing U.S. and international clients in all forms of a decade. topics in entertainment and media law.
institutional banks as lenders and equity dispute resolution and business counseling, In the early stage of his professional In addition to representing significant
investors in low income housing tax credit with an emphasis in the areas of commer- career, Mitsunaga developed particular entertainment and media industry clients,
projects nationwide. With a particular cial, intellectual property, unfair competi- experience in the entertainment industry Mohan also provides pro bono legal services
emphasis in California, she has developed tion, and class action litigation, as well as by participating in media-related merger to clients in need. For example, he has
an expertise in structuring and navigat- arbitration and mediation. While he counts and acquisition and debt and equity finance represented clients pro bono on immigra-
ing the multitude of rules and regulations members of the Fortune 100 among his transactions as well as handling litigation tion and criminal law matters in the U.S.
governing the subsidies and public funds clients, a great deal of his practice is done matters for clients within the industry. Immigration Court and the U.S. Court
required to finance these affordable housing on behalf of small to mid-size companies – Since he joined Buchalter, Mitsunaga has of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where
projects. She now co-chairs the firm’s Tax many of which count Martinez as their out- regularly represented a wide range of Japa- he presented oral argument. He has also
Credit Practice Group. side general counsel and sole legal advisor. nese clients through their start-ups, capital authored Amicus Briefs and a Petition for
transactions, and mergers and acquisitions Writ of Certiorari to the Supreme Court of
in the United States. the United States.
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