F E B RUA RY 2021
S H E ’S B A A AC K!
The cast-off queen of network news would like to settle a few scores.
Features 48
56
Invasion of the Biohackers
The Confessions of Connie Chung
From Santa Monica to Silicon Valley, a controversial band of New Age techies is leading a trillion-dollar health revolution. But will it actually help you live longer?
“I didn’t have a very good experience with a lot of male coanchors because they suffer from something called bigshot-itis, and it’s sort of delusions of grandeur and sort of narcissistic behavior and an inability to stop talking.”
BY PETER KIEFER
BY ANDREW GOLDMAN
2 L A M AG . C O M
64
Hit Man In the late 1960s, Mo Ostin turned the faltering Warner/Reprise record label into the powerhouse of rock, signing culture-bending artists from Jimi Hendrix to Fleetwood Mac. His secret? Stop trying to make hit records. BY PETER AMES CARLIN
I L LU S T R AT I O N BY R O B E RT R I S KO
Buzz PARTY TILL YOU DROP
F E B RUA RY 2021
» As COVID-19 cases exploded across L.A., the city’s underground dance scene remained open for business—and no one seemed in any hurry to shut it down BY CERISE CASTLE PAGE 11
THE BRIEF
U P P E R C RUST
When Hollywood moguls and top chefs want nextlevel pizza, dough maestro Noel Brohner is their go-to guy.
» Is celebrity a risk factor for the coronavirus?; Who’s running the L.A. Times? PAGE 14
THE COMPANIES WE KEEP
» Elon Musk is off to Austin. Larry Ellison is in Hawaii. Luckily, they ain’t the only game in town BY ANDREW DUBBINS PAGE 16
Columns THE BELLE OF THE MATZO BALL
» On Christmas Eve, I sailed off on an online journey to find a savory Jewish date. Instead, I ended up in the soup BY ANNABELLE GURWITCH PAGE 40
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD
» Is Erewhon’s arrival in Silver Lake the final nail in the boho enclave’s coffin? BY JEFF WEISS PAGE 46
Ask Chris
The Inside Guide » Meet the go-to pizza guru for industry insiders;
Bret Easton Ellis weighs in on Joan Didion’s latest book; local shops reveal their best-selling lingerie; and our playlist of the year’s need-to-know songs PAG E 1 9 P H O T O G R A P H E D BY C O R I NA M A R I E H OW E L L
4 L A M AG . C O M
» What’s up with that Scooby Doo van cruising around? Is the LAPD PSA parrot still on the job? Where does the metal door near Main and Second lead to? Our resident historian answers all your burning questions. BY CHRIS NICHOLS PAGE 132
ON THE COVER Photographed by John Keatley Produced by Walrus Stylist and set designer Kristen Bonnalie Hair and makeup Katya Gudaeva Model Rhett Beardemphl/SMG
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Maer Roshan
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L A M AG . C O M 7
Editor’s Note
BY MAER ROSHAN
“IT ’S ALWAYS DARKEST before
the dawn,” rings the cliché—and in the dying days of December, a thin ray of hope seemed to pierce the glum mood that had enveloped Los Angeles since March. Shortly before Christmas, with Mayor Eric Garcetti, Governor Gavin Newsom, and a crush of news cameras at her side, a nurse at Kaiser Permanente in East Hollywood bared her arm and received one of the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to reach the city, which had arrived at LAX the night before on a FedEx cargo plane. It should have been a celebratory moment for L.A.—a testament to scientific progress and medical advancement. A century earlier, during the Spanish Flu epidemic, it took scientists almost a decade to discover an effective preventative. Now, in less than a year, global teams of doctors working around the clock had produced at least four vaccines to combat the plague that first surfaced in the U.S. in January. But twenty-first-century science turned out to be no match for the medieval ailments and tribal hostilities roiling our city and country. 8 L A M AG . C O M
“A town that conjured up Hollywood and Disneyland knows a thing or two about reinvention. L.A. was built on second acts and happy endings.” FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @MAERROSHAN
Instead, in the days that followed, a noisy group of anti-maskers descended on the Erewhon market in the Fairfax District, screaming epithets at surprised shoppers whose only sin was paying $11 for reishi cappuccinos and $18 for keto BBQ-chicken pizzas. A separate group of MAGA warriors convened on the shopping mall at Century City, waving Trump flags and dancing to the Village People’s “YMCA.” Nearby at Ralphs, a woman denouncing “mask nazis” rammed her shopping cart into an already irate customer. On New Year’s Eve, a Christian healer embarked on a maskless crusade to Echo Park, promising salvation to the vast village of homeless people camped there. Believers dressed in “Jesus is my lifeguard” T-shirts briefly squared off with Socialists armed with hand sanitizer, until their showdown was upstaged by the discovery of a body floating in Echo Park Lake. By then, such surreal spectacles had come to seem almost routine. Over the past year, aside from the pandemic, L.A. has endured a series of baroque, almost biblical disasters—droughts, wildfires that blanketed the city in perpetual dusk, protests that left entire blocks shrouded in plywood and police helicopters chronically buzzing overhead. Finally, on January 6, shortly before we went to press with this issue, came the obscene insurrection at the Capitol—which someone described as the storming of the Bastille as performed by the cast of National Lampoon’s Animal House. The televised carnage in DC deflected attention from the casualties here at home, where ambulances were turned away from overwhelmed hospitals and a COVID patient died every eight minutes. Sometime soon, when both Donald Trump and the virus are finally behind us, we’ll be able to survey the damage wrought by these dueling disasters and commence the difficult task of rebuilding. L.A. will face some daunting obstacles on its road back to normalcy, but in some ways we’re well-equipped for the challenge. A town that conjured up Hollywood and Disneyland and the Kardashians knows a thing or two about reinvention—Los Angeles was built on second acts and happy endings. The year 2020 was an interminable action movie packed with massive explosions and no discernible plot. But all the insane theatrics obscured the more mundane reality of life here, where most people endured the year’s appalling indignities with patience and grace. Overcoming multiple crises will require a mix of imagination and chutzpah. Luckily, both are embedded in our civic DNA.
Maer Roshan, Editor-in-Chief P H O T O G R A P H E D BY S H AYA N A S G H A R N I A
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02.21
Party Till You Drop AS COVID-19 CASES EXPLODED ACROSS L.A., THE CITY’S UNDERGROUND DANCE SCENE REMAINED OPEN FOR BUSINESS—AND NO ONE SEEMED IN ANY HURRY TO SHUT IT DOWN BY CERISE CASTLE
L A M AG . C O M 1 1
COV I D N I G H TS
I
T WA S N E W Y E A R’ S
Eve in Los Angeles, and even as bodies were piling up in city morgues, some Angelenos were lining up to party. Shortly before 10 p.m., a throng of revelers amassed downtown for an underground party thrown by a group called leDiskonights. Earlier that day, the event’s promoters had sent out a mass text revealing the approximate address and laying out a few ground rules: Partygoers were instructed to approach a man sitting in a white car parked outside the designated address and say these words: “Do you know where the post office is?” By midnight, packs of people were lined up outside the venue, waiting for a doorman to wave them through. Inside, a couple hundred attendees, most of them unmasked, danced and cheered the advent of 2021. They weren’t the only ones, of course. Miles away in Encino, a rowdy gang of TikTok influencers hosted nearly 600 people at a house party where mask-free young people stood shoulder to shoulder to count down to midnight. The scene was more subdued in Van Nuys, where some 50 revelers gathered at a party hosted by the clothing line Stockedup15, and young, maskless partiers danced and screamed over the music in anticipation of the ball drop. “Happy New Year’s! We fucking made it!” said L.A.-based rapper Lil’ Death Star while grinning into his phone camera. “A lot of n***as didn’t make it to 2021. We did!” But for L.A.’s more discerning nightlife aficionados, downtown was where it was at. Even before the pandemic shuttered bars and clubs and drove the city’s party scene underground, L.A.’s warehouse district was a haven for illegal nightclubs. Since then, as COVID-19 deaths started to surpass a hundred a day in Los Angeles County, the clubs have continued to thrive with little law enforcement intervention. On any given night, multiple parties are quietly taking place across the city at makeshift clubs and strip joints with names like Club Rockstar Paradise, the Doll’s House, and Kobe’s House. Their entrances are hidden behind a network 1 2 L A M AG . C O M
DA NC E F E V E R
Promoters openly brag about their police connections, and some even hire off-duty cops for security.
of tight alleyways leading to fenced-in parking lots. Patrons pay up to $100 a person to get in. The parties usually pop up in tiny spaces with few bathrooms—ideal environments for the virus to spread. Inside, the air is thick with haze from smoke machines, and social distancing is a meaningless concept—people freely exchange blunts, share drinks, and snort bumps of cocaine off one another’s keys. Attendees know about the virus, how it spreads, and the restrictions it’s bred, but they just don’t care. Some promoters openly brag about their police connections and even hire off-duty cops to work security. O O O O
T H I S FA L L , A S C O V I D began spiraling out of control in Southern California, law enforcement agencies said that they would make an effort to stop the parties. In early December, shortly
after the state issued a strict new safer-at-home order, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced that his agency would begin targeting superspreader events. Though there was a new curfew requiring all nonessential employees to stay in their homes between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., nightlife influencers ignored the guidance. On a Saturday in mid-November, hundreds of partygoers pushed their way into a tiny back room in downtown Los Angeles for another leDiskonights party. Undulating bodies moved in time to the late Chicago rapper King Von’s “Crazy Story,” a tale of someone risking his life for momentary pleasure. L.A.based rapper BigKlit, who is signed to Sony Music’s imprint Records, was performing that evening, and some of the city’s hottest young rappers turned out for the occasion. On the mic in the DJ booth, BigKlit shouted her truth: “There’s only one fucking purpose to
G I N A F E R A ZZ I / LO S A N G E L E S T I M E S
BUZZ
life, bruh, and that’s to have fun, bitch! Until recentlist with hundreds of Fuck your make-believe enemies, ly, only one major phone numbers and bitch! There’s only one fucking enenightlife player had email addresses. my here, and that’s the motherfucking suffered any real leRenee Worley, a government!” gal consequences for popular downtown On the dance floor, Tori Lucifora violating local restricregular, was active roared her approval. The 24-year-old tions. L.A. Party Sociin the city’s undermoved to Los Angeles from Boston in ety, an underground ground nightlife NO PA N I C AT T H E D I S C O Few partygoers have been busted, September and has traveled the downnightclub downtown, scene up until the so the invites keep coming. town party circuit ever since. She wears has been targeted emergence of COa mask in public spaces, but ventures by L.A. City Attorney VID last spring. She’d barefaced to parties without any worMike Feuer, who filed a civil lawsuit in once hosted Soft Leather, but publicly ries. “I feel like people are just kind of mid-December against its operators. ended her association with Dal Sanlike getting scared of it, and that’s causReal estate investor David Taban, who to after the allegations against him ing shit to happen. I’ve just been trying controls a pair of LLCs listed as the surfaced. In March, she pledged on to just live my life like I always do, and property’s owners, is also currently beher social media pages to obey health it’s been good.” She adds, “I don’t think ing prosecuted in two separate crimiguidelines until the COVID pandemic I’m being selfish, because I’m not really nal cases for running illegal cannabis subsided. She says she’s been shocked doing anything crazy.” dispensaries. The LAPD claims it docuby the reluctance of her peers in the Lucifora, who is white, considers mented several incidents of violence at nightlife scene to take proper safety herself a progressive. But despite L.A. Party Society events, including exprecautions, and she singles out proCOVID’s disproportionate impact on tortion, robbery, assault, and multiple moters for opprobrium. A few months communities of color, she believes shootouts. In one incident, a bouncago, she started posting videos on her the pandemic is a hoax. “There’s a lot er, a patron, and the nightclub owner Instagram page documenting popuof numbers that are just fake numwere all shot. But parties were allowed lar users who’ve continued to deny bers,” Lucifora says. “Everybody really to continue at the location for months the severity of the pandemic. Her needs to spread more love, and stop while police investigated—and none of posts have made her a target of corospreading so much negativity. Beits patrons were cited for disobeying navirus deniers and earned the ire of cause that’s what’s going to cause the health orders. The city attorney’s office some promoters, some of whom have world to end—the people. It’s not goannounced in December that it was harassed her with threatening phone ing to be, like, some natural disaster.” pursuing cases against dozens of busicalls. But she’s continued to post anyLeDiskonights, the nesses for violating the health protoway. “I think publicly promoter behind the col, but no single individual was being shaming people is the New Year’s Eve parprosecuted for gathering illegally. only thing that’s going Inside, social ty downtown, is manOn New Year’s Eve, the L.A. Counto work at this point,” aged by Keith Wilson, a ty Sheriff ’s Department reported that she says. distancing is longtime scene-maker it broke up five parties in the counO O O O a meaningwho employed a quarty and arrested 90 guests who were W H E N I T C O M E S to tet of popular nightcaught up in the raids. Still, the deless concept. dealing with clubland’s life fixtures to create a partment has been unable or unwillPeople exCOVID scofflaws, Los cool environment inside ing to stop the events before they change blunts, Angeles Police Departthe party. One of them, start. (In early December, after sherment public informaJohn Dal Santo, used to iff ’s deputies shut down what they share drinks, tion officer Drake Madihost a traveling BDSMcalled a “massive underground party” and snort son insists the agency themed party called Soft in Palmdale, the Los Angeles Times bumps of has been following the Leather—a popular unreported that the department had guidelines issued by the derground event until known about the event in advance cocaine. mayor’s office. He says, Dal Santo was accused but did nothing to stop it.) “In rare instances, when of sexual impropriety The New Year’s Eve raids may be a we contact someone not by some of the event’s sign that law enforcement is getting following the guidelines, officers will attendees. Dal Santo has responded serious about the nightlife scene’s speak with those individuals and edby suing his accusers for defamation, COVID violators. At the moment, ucate them.” He adds that under “exbut Soft Leather soon lost its luster. though, parties are continuing to be treme circumstances, where voluntary Still, when Wilson began putting tolisted on Eventbrite and posted on compliance can’t be obtained, a request gether his weekly pandemic party last Instagram. Lucifora, at least, says that for complaint” will be forwarded to the summer, he turned to Dal Santo and she’ll be partying on. “This has been a city attorney’s office, the first step tothe Soft Leather crew, who reportreally big year of growth for me, “ she ward shuttering an underground club. edly handed over their prized guest says. “So I’m thankful for it.” L A M AG . C O M 13
N E WS & N OT E S F R O M A L L OV E R
The Brief M I S S I NG YO U
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times since 2018.
THE DISTRACTED OWNER OF THE L.A. TIMES HAS SPENT A YEAR SEARCHING FOR A COVID CURE. CAN THE NEXT EDITOR BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO HIS PAPER? BY JA S ON MC G A H A N
WHEN LOS
Angeles biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick SoonShiong rescued the L.A.
Times from the clutches of Tribune Publishing in 2018 (paying $500 million for the publication), he went on a hiring spree and pledged to remake his hometown paper into a more independent voice “with a sense of urgency and purpose.” Then the city was clobbered by a pandemic and the 68-year-old’s attention was deflected to his biotech laboratories. In fact, Soon-Shiong was so distracted with developing a COVID-19 vaccine that the man he tapped to head the paper, New York media eminence Norm Pearlstine, was no longer able to get the executive 14 L A M AG . C O M
chairman on the phone, let alone in a meeting. Over the summer, when a second wave of coronavirus ripped through L.A., Soon-Shiong grew so obsessed with his pharmaceutical company’s research, he all but barricaded himself in his Brentwood compound. He told Forbes in August that he hadn’t been getting more than a few hours sleep a night, and that he had left his home only once since attending Kobe Bryant’s memorial in February. “This is the crisis of our time. It’s almost existential,” he told Forbes. His vaccine, which was shortlisted for the government’s Warp Speed program, remains in development. Soon-Shiong did briefly pop out of his laboratory to issue a promise
HOLLYWOOD IS GOING VIRAL FA M E H A S A LWAYS
had its perks. Money, sex, dinner reservations. But
S I C K O F C OV I D
From top: Hanks billboard in Vegas; Vanessa Williams in L.A; and Tom Cruise on set.
C R E D I TS
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PATRICK SOON-SHIONG?
that there’d be no layoffs during the early stages of the pandemic. Instead, all union editors and reporters were furloughed one day a week through the spring and summer. He emerged a second time in July as the newsroom furloughs ran out and the fear of layoffs loomed again (with the likelihood that the newer and more diverse employees would be the first to go). The dreaded layoffs never materialized. At that point, as race protests roiled the city, Soon-Shiong met with a caucus of Black and Latino employees, a move urged by the owner’s daughter, Nika. The layoffs were shelved soon after. Meanwhile, Pearlstine, the 78-year-old former top editor of the Wall Street Journal, found communication with Soon-Shiong all but cut off as he battled a series of journalistic and harassment scandals that tangled the paper in controversy. Sources say Pearlstine, who resigned as editor in December, had only spoken to Soon-Shiong a handful of times since the pandemic began
in March. The rumor mill has suggested a passel of prestige hires to replace him—like former Hollywood Reporter editor Janice Min and ESPN senior VP Kevin Merida— but Soon-Shiong will have to tear himself away from his test tubes to lead the new search, which is off to a slow start. Sources say the New York–based headhunter leading the search first started the process in early January, which means that L.A.’s paper of record is unlikely to have a new editor for months.
D R . PAT R I C K S O O N - S H I O N G : G E T T Y I M AG E S ; TO M H A N KS : E T H A N M I L L E R /G E T T Y I M AG E S ; VA N E SSA W I L L I A M S : F U P P/ B AU E R - G R I F F I N /G C I M AG E S ; TO M C R U I S E : A N D R E A PAT TA R O/A F P V I A G E T T Y I M AG E S ; T H O M AS G I R A R D I A N D E R I KA JAY N E : S I PA U SA
AMOUNT AMAZON’S JEFF BEZOS PAID DAVID GEFFEN FOR THE 95-ACRE BENEDICT CANYON ESTATE ONCE OWNED BY STUDIO BOSS JACK WARNER. TO THE DISMAY OF THE CITY’S REALTORS, THE BIGGEST REAL ESTATE SALE OF 2020 WAS AN OFF-MARKET DEAL THAT INVOLVED NO AGENTS.
these days it also comes with a hefty downside: COVID-19. Celebrities may be 45 percent more likely to contract the virus than other Americans. The anecdotal evidence is everywhere, with fresh headlines every week listing the latest infected stars—Idris Elba, Dwayne Johnson, Hugh Grant, Lena Dunham, Vanessa Williams, to name a few. But proving that famous people are more prone to test positive hasn’t exactly been a priority for researchers studying the pandemic. So we did the science for them. We started by asking Q Scores, a company that for decades has been ranking stars based on their popularity, for a roster of their current top celebrities. We then crunched those numbers and found that of the 182 names Q Score provided, 13 had been infected. That’s 7.1 percent. According to the latest CDC figures, the percentage among the U.S. general population is 4.5 percent. That’s a pretty striking difference, but it at least theoretically makes sense, given the lifestyles of the rich and famous, even during lockdowns. “They interact with a lot more people,” notes a veteran Hollywood publicist with at least one A-list client who has tested positive. “And they work on movie and TV sets. Anytime you’re surrounded by 200 people, you’re at higher risk.” Case in point: Robert Pattinson, who contracted the virus while
filming The Batman. Or Brad Pitt, who didn’t get infected but had to shut down Bullet Train when a crewmember tested positive. As Tom Cruise eloquently put it when he discovered protocolbreaking crewmembers on the set of his latest Mission
Celebrities may be 45 percent more likely to contract COVID. Impossible movie were putting him and others at risk, “I don’t ever want to see it again! Ever!” Of course, there are caveats to these back-ofthe-envelope calculations. As Dr. Mark Cullen, a retired epidemiologist at Stanford University, points out, most of the celebrities on the Q list live in California or New York, where COVID-19 percentages are higher. But even Cullen suspects that celebrities could be contracting the virus in even greater numbers than our Q Score study suggests. “It’s entirely possible that many celebrities have quietly gone through COVID-19 and avoided publicity around it,” he says. “After all, these people are very protective of their public image.” At least they’re protecting something.
$165 million
ERIKA JAYNE SHARES HER PAIN I F T H E S P L I T between
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, 49, and her husband, lawyer-abouttown Tom Girardi, 81, wasn’t juicy enough, the “How Many Fucks” songstress is determined to air the couple’s crusty laundry on the 11th season of the Bravo reality show, the taping of which has been temporarily halted because of COVID. “Legally, there’s only so much she’s allowed to say, but she has been advised on what she can put out there,” a source told Us Weekly. “Viewers will also hear the other Housewives’ thoughts on Erika and Tom’s divorce.”
Whatever other secrets get spilled from the couple’s 21-year marriage, we already know that they’re being sued by Girardi’s former legal partner, who joined him in a successful lawsuit against Boeing on behalf of 189 families of people who died in the 2018 crash off the coast of Indonesia. Girardi’s co-counsel in that case— Illinois firm Edelson PC—claims in court papers that Girardi withheld funds and embezzled settlement money from “widows and orphans . . . to continue funding his and
A I R I NG I T O U T
Erika’s lavish Beverly Hills lifestyles.” Their suit also suggests that the divorce is “a sham” designed to protect the couple’s assets. The biggest plot twist, though, has to be Jayne’s recent bombshell accusing her soon-to-be ex of an affair with Tricia A. Bigelow, the presiding justice of Division 8 of California’s 2nd District Court of Appeals. Jayne took to Instagram in December to post what she claimed were text messages sent to Girardi by Bigelow. (“Tonight was fantastic. Really,” one of Bigelow’s missives read. “But it would be a whole lot better if I were fucking you.”) Bigelow’s attorney, Alan Jackson, insisted to the L.A. Times that his client has been “in a committed relationship with her husband for more than four years.” Like we said, season 11 should be a doozy.
Erika Jayne and Thomas Girardi
— I A N S P I E G E L M A N
— B E N JA M I N SV E T K E Y
L A M AG . C O M 15
Buzz
INDUSTRY
The Companies We Keep ELON MUSK IS OFF TO AUSTIN. LARRY ELLISON’S IN HAWAII . LUCKILY, THEY AIN’T THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN
L
A S T D E C E M B E R , Tesla
founder Elon Musk, as well as Oracle and Hewlett Packard, announced that they were fleeing California for Austin, Texas, where friendlier tax laws have attracted a burgeoning cluster of tech companies. (Oracle founder Larry Ellison will work remotely from his Hawaiian island.) The flight of the moguls set off a chorus of anxious prognostications about California’s position as a capital for entrepreneurship, but it may be some time before Texas eclipses the Golden State. California is still home to the world’s highest number of “unicorns”—the term for privately held start-ups valued at over $1 billion. Only 506 such companies exist around the world. Of the 245 U.S.-based unicorns, 114 are headquartered in the Bay Area, and 19 are in L.A. Here are a few of the more notable.
> Age of Learning Founded by scientologist Doug Dohring in 2007, the $1 billion, Glendale-based edtech start-up creates imaginative online curriculum for pre- and early-elementary school programs, so it’s perfectly positioned to capitalize on the remote-learning environment. > Anduril Focused on autonomous drones and sensors for military applications, the $1.9 billion defense technology company was established in 2017 in Irvine by 28-year-old Palmer Freeman Luckey, who also founded Oculus VR. > Bird Though scooter-share rentals plunged after the first stay-at-home order, the electric-scooter company held its spot in the unicorn club while also providing free rides to health-care workers. The $2.78 billion company was launched in 2017 by former Uber exec Travis VanderZanden. > Dave Founded in 2016, the $1 billion start-up is on a mission to rescue customers from overdraft fees through a simple mobile app. 16 L A M AG . C O M
O N E - H O R N E D WO N D E R S
Counterclockwise from top: KKW Beauty, owned by Kim Kardashian West, is another unicorn; Sweetgreen’s Jonathan Neman; Scooter pioneer Bird’s Travis VanderZanden.
> Fair Launched in 2016 in Santa Monica, Fair joined the exclusive “Three Comma Club” with its $1.2 billion app designed to simplify car leasing by letting you shop for a car on your smartphone. In the maledominated start-up world, the company also has a female cofounder, Jennifer Parke, a former chief brand officer for L.A.-based TrueCar. > GOAT Based in Culver City, GOAT, which stands for “greatest of all time,” is a $1.75 billion marketplace for high-end sneakers that you can buy new or refurbished through its app. Established in 2015 by entrepreneurs Eddy Lu and Daishin Sugano, the company showed no profits until a Black Friday sale crashed their app and put their kicks on the map.
> LegalZoom Started in Glendale two decades ago by Brian P. Y. Liu, Brian S. Lee, Edward R. Hartman, and Robert Shapiro, this $2 billion company enables its customers to create their own legal documents such as wills and copyright registrations. > Relativity Space Boasting the world’s first 3D-printed rocket, Relativity Space is revolutionizing the speed with which we build rockets through that medium. The $2.3 billion company was founded in 2016 in Long Beach by USC-trained aerospace engineers Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone. > Scopely Culver City-based Scopely creates highly addictive mobile games such as Star Trek Fleet Command and The Walking Dead: Road to Survival. Founded in 2011, the business was recognized by Deloitte as one of North America’s fastestgrowing companies. > Skydance Media Launched in 2010 by David Ellison—son of Larry Ellison—$2.3 billion Skydance Media has become a major force in Hollywood, producing tentpole film franchises like Star Trek, Mission Impossible, Jack Ryan, and Terminator. > Sweetgreen Established in 2007 by three friends fresh out of Georgetown University, the $1.6 billion salad restaurant chain has been called the Starbucks of Salad, boasting over 100 locations and 3,500 employees. > TechStyle Fashion Group Boosted by celebrity endorsers like Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland, the $1 billion online-membership group owns popular brands like JustFab and Fabletics. The company was founded in 2010 by Adam Goldenberg and Don Ressler, who previously hawked antiaging shampoo and wrinkle cream. > Zip Recruiter Started in 2010, the Santa Monica-based, $1 billion start-up is on a mission to revolutionize the recruiting industry with its AI-driven tech focused on matching employers with job hunters.
G E T T Y I M AG E S
BY ANDREW DUBBINS
Explore Art with Us Visit Getty from home with art, podcasts, videos, and more. Read, watch, listen, and learn at getty.edu/art.
1 (detail), negative 1969; print 2008, Robert Kinmont. Gelatin silver print. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Gift of Robert Kinmont and Alexander and Bonin, New York. Š Robert Kinmont. Text and design: Š J. Paul Getty Trust
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02.21
Inside Guide THE
B O O KS
Origin Stories JOAN DIDIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LATEST DELVES INTO HER REJECTION FROM STANFORD, THE WRITING PROCESS, AND HER SURPRISING AFFECTION FOR MARTHA STEWART BY BRET EASTON ELLIS
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Didion in the rehearsal studio where the play she adapted from her book The Year of Magical Thinking was taking shape.
L A M AG . C O M 19
J
BOOKS
OA N DI DION I S one of America’s greatest
prose stylists, and reading her new collection is a genuine event—even if some of the pieces are more than 50 years old. Let Me Tell You What I Mean (Knopf) contains 12 fairly brief essays, half of them from 1968 and the most recent from 2000. Like Didion’s South and West from 2017—a fascinating series of fragments of two magazine articles she didn’t finish in the early 1970s—it’s a sparse book, coming in at just 150 pages with wide margins, narrow columns, and large type. The lengthiest essay is actually the smart introduction from Hilton Als. The first half of of the book spirals you back to the glory days of Slouching Towards Bethlehem—giving you brief glimpses into Gambler’s Anonymous and the writer’s distrust of mainstream media, while distilling the essence of San Simeon better than anyone I can think of. Reading it, you’re once again reminded that the observations and subjects might not be unique, but that the angles from which Didion looked at everything are totally different from anyone else’s. And, of course, the prose is peerless. There are three invaluable and nakedly emotional pieces I was previously unaware of, though they’ve been repurposed elsewhere. “On Being Unchosen by a College of One’s Choice,” from 1968, details her devastation about not getting into Stanford and attending Berkeley instead. “Why I Write,” from 1976, W H E R E I WA S F ROM
Didion with husband John Gregory Dunne and their daughter, Quintana, near their home in Malibu, 1972.
20 L A M AG . C O M
Didion is a writer bewildered by rationality and reasonableness.
breaks down the process of why Didion composed novels like Play It As It Lays and A Book of Common Prayer. Two years later, in “Telling Stories,” Didion remembers a creative writing workshop she took as a junior at Berkeley—it was the only time she ever wrote short stories. That piece culminates with a series of rejection letters sent to her agent in the mid-1960s, and a note that the story in question was eventually published in The Denver Quarterly. “By winter 1967 I had begun a second novel, and never wrote another story,” Didion writes. “I doubt that I ever will.” Reading the pieces from 1968—the year her first essay collection was published and made her almost instantly famous—sent me back to when I discovered Didion at 16 in a contemporary nonfiction class I took in high school, where Slouching Towards Bethlehem and The White Album were being read and everything changed for me as a writer. Now, 40 years later, I often think about our somewhat similar trajectories while reading the new book: how we were both raised in California and then moved east and then returned to Los Angeles, though Didion moved back to Manhattan in the late 1980s and never returned to the state where she was born. Throughout her career, the 86-year-old has shown herself to be a writer bewildered by rationality and reasonableness: two of the later essays are sympathetic takes on controversial gay artists (one out, one not) who both died from AIDS; “Some Women” is a 1989 intro to Robert Mapplethorpe’s coffee table book of the same name, and “The Long-Distance Runner” is a beautiful obituary for the freewheeling British filmmaker Tony Richardson, Didion’s close friend. “Last Words,” a love letter to Ernest Hemingway, is a reminder that Didion always had a thing for the rugged Bad Boy, whether it was John Wayne or Jim Morrison or Norman Mailer, someone who embodied a “kind of romantic individualism distinctly adapted to its time and source.” The only semi-sour note in the new book is a brief hit piece on Nancy Reagan from 1968 that scores its points too easily. The book ends with “Everywoman.com,” a surprising appreciation of Martha Stewart from 2000. “The dream and the fears into which Martha Stewart taps are not of ‘feminine’ domesticity,” Didion writes, “but of female power, of the woman who sits down at the table with the men and, still in her apron, walks away with the chips.” It’s a curious piece to close the book on, but in Stewart, Didion seems to have found a kindred independent spirit. The writer, of course, opted for a very different table than the domestic doyenne. But seated amongst the boy’s club of American literature, she too walked away with many of the chips, hardly removing her dark sunglasses.
P H OTO BY H E N RY C L A R K E /CO N D E N AST V I A G E T T Y I M AG E S ; B O O K CO U RT E SY K N O P F
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PROMOTION
Strict CDC guidelines were followed including temperature checks, mask requirement when not eating or drinking, and tables placed 6ft apart.
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1. Guests view the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 2. Jesyka Harris and guest 3. Attendees enjoying their meals outdoors 4. Friends pick up their goodie bags 5. House of Suntory serves up their Haku-Hi 6. Beautiful outdoor seating at The Beach Club Santa Monica at The Victorian 7. Scott Gorelick and Adrianna Costa 8. Thao Nguyen, Nikko Padron, and Kara Nguyen 9. Rayvana and David Coe 10. A Mediterranean meal prepared by The Beach Club Santa Monica at The Victorian 11. Bill Bakho and Jessica Hall 12. Another look at the Next-Generation 2021 Cadillac Escalade
P HO T O CRE DI T: DE VI N BE RK O ; K I ER NA N MI C HEL L E P HO T O G RA PH Y
In November, Los Angeles magazine hosted an intimate private dinner under the stars to debut the Next-Generation 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The socially-distanced outdoor event took place over the course of two days at the recently upgraded The Beach Club Santa Monica H[ ;OL =PJ[VYPHU 3VZ (UNLSLZ» PUÅ \LUJLYZ thought leaders, and executives experienced the technologically advanced Escalade and enjoyed a gourmet 3-course dinner along with a selection of cocktails crafted by the House of Suntory and wine from Topa Mountain Winery. Guests also received an exclusive, limitededition Best of LA® )V_ Ä SSLK ^P[O NVVKPLZ HUK Vќ LYPUNZ MYVT SVJHS I\ZPULZZLZ
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THE INDUSTRY
The Last Picture Show?
COVID-19 HAS DRAMATICALLY CHANGED HOW AUDIENCES CONSUME MEDIA—AND THERE'S NO GOING BACK BY B E NJA M I N S V E T K E Y
F
O R B E T T E R O R WO R S E , theatergoing as
we’ve known it for the past 100 years looks like it’s pretty much over. It’ll be months before most of the general public starts getting inoculated for COVID-19, and by then the damage may be beyond repair. According to a September letter pleading for aid to the industry—signed by James Cameron, Clint Eastwood, and a bunch of other heavyweights—69 percent of small and midsized movie theaters will be forced into bankruptcy without federal help. In late December, Congress finally passed a deal on a COVID-19 relief package that included $15 billion in aid for smalller movie theaters and live-entertainment venues, but the major chains will not be eligible for the aid—and they need help even more. After reopening some theaters in August, Regal, which operates more than 500 screens in the U.S., closed them again in October. Last summer, the largest chain, AMC, which has also been shuttered through the pandemic, announced in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission report that it was about to run out of cash and had “substantial doubts” about its future. The studios certainly see the writing on the wall. In December, Warner Bros. announced that it would be relaments. There is indeed something to be said for the leasing its slate of pushed-back films—including Matrix collective experience of sharing a movie with a theater 4, Dune, and Wonder Woman 84—on HBO Max. The defull of strangers. But it’s also true that cinema will surcision was met with howls of discontent. vive even if theaters don’t. And it’s possible “Some of our industry’s biggest filmmakers that Nolan and others are clinging to anand most important stars went to bed the tique, idealized notions of moviegoing that night before thinking they were working Theatergoing bear about as much resemblance to reality for the greatest movie studio and woke up as rom-coms do to actual dating. With a few as we've to find out they were working for the worst notable exceptions, like the Chinese Theater, known it for the Vista, and El Capitan, the gilded movie streaming service,” Tenet director Christopher Nolan said. of yore barely exist anymore; they’ve the past 100 palaces Other studios have been tiptoeing in a been bulldozed and replaced with stickyyears looks floored multiplexes that radiate all the rosimilar direction, with Universal dramatically shrinking its window between theatrical of a DMV field office. like it's pretty mance release and Video on Demand and Disney Not surprisingly, a big chunk of the audimuch over. releasing some of its content—like Mulan— ence had already abandoned theaters long on Disney Plus. Even some of Nolan’s fellow before stepping into one became lifeA-list filmmakers have been bailing on the threatening. Attendance has been dropping big screen: David Fincher just signed a foursharply for decades, with 2017 ticket sales year deal with Netflix while Martin Scorsese, who shot sinking to a 25-year low. Meanwhile, the average TV-set The Irishman for Netflix, will be making his next movie size in American households has more than doubled over for Apple TV Plus. the last 20 years, from 23 to 47 inches, and it’s expected To Nolan and his ilk, all this heralds the end of an to increase another three inches by the end of 2021. And art form. And maybe there’s a kernel of truth to their the bigger they get, the cheaper TVs become; these days
22 L A M AG . C O M
I L LU S T R AT I O N BY C H R I S T O P H E R H U G H E S
Get Over It
NOTHING INHERENT IN THE ART OF FILMMAKING DICTATES THAT MOVIES MUST BE SEEN IN A THEATER BY STEVE ERICKSON
O
you can buy a 50-inch screen for around $500, half of what it cost five years ago. Granted, you can easily blow another $100 a month paying for streaming services, but that’s still thousands of films for what a family of four might spend on tickets and snacks to just one Gal Gadot flick in a theater. Plus, you can stream in a Snuggie, which is pretty much priceless. Theater companies have known for decades that most viewers would prefer to watch movies at home—it’s the very reason they’ve fought so bitterly for so long against narrowing the window between theatrical release and VOD. Up until the pandemic, theater chains have had the leverage to keep the studios in line. But now that those windows have been shattered, it’s hard to imagine the world going back. Hollywood, after all, is in the business of giving people what they want, and what they want isn’t crowded, dirty theaters filled with annoying strangers texting on their phones. That may be a bummer to Christopher Nolan and other screen-size-obsessed auteurs. But the truth is, any director who insists that his or her masterpiece can only be truly appreciated on a 50-foot screen probably hasn’t made such a hot movie anyway.
N C E U P O N A T I M E , storytellers told their
stories in the town square to gathering crowds. Then Johnny B. Gutenburg invented the printing press in Germany half a millennium ago and storytelling became a more private experience called reading, mediated by an object called a book, creating a medium called literature. Dostoevsky and those crazy-ass Brontë sisters weren’t betrayed by the printing press but empowered by it. Music used to be performed exclusively live before something called the record made music as potentially private as reading. The private listening experience made possible Sinatra’s Only the Lonely, the Beatles’ Revolver and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, so decide for yourself how much music was hurt by it. Of course, I’m not arguing that watching a movie on a big screen with other people isn’t the ideal way to see it; Apocalypse Now and Black Panther obviously lose something the smaller they get. What I’m arguing is no movie is great just because it’s big, nor is it precluded from greatness just because it’s small. As the titular Lawrence of Arabia, Peter O’Toole is compelling whatever size he is. At least one genre in particular—comedy—is inevitably better served by communal laughter, but great comedies from City Lights to Some Like It Hot to Groundhog Day hold up just fine late at night when you’re by yourself and in need of a laugh. There’s even the occasional freak film that’s more effective as a private experience. Now routinely considered one of the half-dozen best American movies ever made more than half a century after it became Alfred Hitchcock’s one critical and commercial flop, Vertigo didn’t so much storm the pantheon as invade it like a virus, its radical reassessment born in the memories of tenyear-old budding cinephiles who watched it alone on TV when their parents were having drinks at the neighbors’. But over the years, when I’ve screened Vertigo to college seminars, its reception is still a crapshoot and often it doesn’t play at all. The obsessions of Hitchcock’s masterpiece are so palpable, they creep out audience members in one another’s presence; only in private does the film’s plummet into the grave of desire make all the dreadful and dreamlike sense in the world. Which is to say that, as with any art, a story dictates the terms of its telling and transcends shifts in medium—or doesn’t. My ex recounts a great memory of living in Somalia when she was 12 and everyone in town would “go to the movies” on the beach where, with the Indian Ocean crashing in the background, they watched 2001 projected on the side of a slab of rock not unlike the monolith in the movie. I feel absolutely certain this isn’t what Stanley Kubrick, the technical perfectionist, had in mind. But Kubrick the visionary might have thought it was kind of cool.
L A M AG . C O M 23
The Inside Guide
MUSIC N OW P L AY I N G
THEIR TENTH ALBUM FINDS THE FOO FIGHTERS ALIVE AND KICKIN’—AND GETTING MORE INTO POP AND POLITICS BY ALEX SCORDELIS
I
T ’ S H A R D T O believe that the Foo Fighters, a
band that started as a Dave Grohl solo recording project, have been around for a quarter century. On February 5, the band, now a full-blown rock institution, releases its tenth album, Medicine at Midnight. Here’s what you need to know.
• T H E BA N D E M B R AC E S P O P . . . While fist-pumping rock anthems are the Foo Fighters’ bread and butter, the new record finds them leaning more toward radio-friendly pop. Their new songs wouldn’t sound out of place on a playlist sandwiched between Taylor Swift and BTS.
• . . . T HANKS TO T H E I R PRODUCE R Medicine at Midnight’s pop sheen is largely due to the work of producer Greg Kurstin. This is Kurstin’s second time working with the band. He has previously produced for Adele, Sia, and Katy Perry. Under Kurstin’s guidance, Foo songs like “Cloudspotter” become downright danceable.
• T H I NG S G E T P O L I T I CA L As a veteran of the DC hard-core scene, Grohl is no stranger to politics, but the Foo Fighters have long seemed to appeal to fans on both sides of the aisle. On this latest effort, the band strikes more partisan chords, especially on “No Son of Mine,” a song that’s practically a sequel to Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.”
Outside of a COVID vaccine, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about 2021—especially if you’re a music fan. Here’s our playlist of need-to-know artists, bands, and songs likely to dominate the coming months.
Arlo Parks—“Green Eyes” On her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, the gifted Londoner marries vivid lyricism with soulful folk and a serene voice, creating a sound that’s all her own. Omar Apollo—“Want U Around,” featuring Ruel When Apollo was a kid growing up in Indiana, he wanted to be a Jonas Brother. Now he’s all grown up, and his smoldering alt-R&B conjures a Latino Prince. Remi Wolf—“Hello Hello Hello” Funny lyrics, a super-sized personality, and maddeningly catchy choruses like the one on this track mean near-certain stardom for the L.A.-based Wolf. Iann Dior—“Holding On” This emo-rapper is already tasting the high life, thanks to his feature on 24kGoldn’s No. 1 smash “Mood,” but Dior has enough talent to dominate 2021 on his own. Holly Humberstone—“Falling Asleep at the Wheel” Love Phoebe Bridgers but annoyed that she’s been adopted by the Grammy set? This Brit with an enchantingly melancholic voice is your next beloved little secret. Giveon—“Like I Want You” Most know this Long Beach crooner from his guest spot on Drake’s 2020 track “Chicago Freestyle,” but Giveon’s sexy tones go places that Drizzy could never dream of.
• T H E R E ’S FA M I LY On half the album, Grohl’s 14-year-old daughter, Violet, contributes background vocals, most notably on “Making a Fire,” which has a “na na na na” refrain that rivals Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.”
• T H E R E ’S A S E C R E T W E A P O N Legendary 61-year-old percussionist Omar Hakim, who has previously contributed to albums by David Bowie and Miles Davis, plays on six tracks. His equally quirky and funky rhythms elevate songs like “Shame Shame” and “Medicine at Midnight.”
• GROHL & CO. REP L.A. Even though Grohl first made his mark in Seattle with Nirvana, he has called Southern California home for nearly two decades. In 2018, he barbecued for firefighters battling the Woolsey Fire, and he recently collaborated on a specialty taco with beloved Sherman Oaks restaurant Casa Vega to boost business during the pandemic. The album’s liner notes state that it was recorded in Encino. Meanwhile, guitarist Pat Smear was a member of legendary L.A. punk band the Germs, and drummer Taylor Hawkins hails from Laguna Beach. The guys wear their SoCal stripes proudly. 24 L A M AG . C O M
Gracie Abrams — “Brush Fire” Yes, she’s J. J. Abrams’s daughter, but don’t hold it against her. Abrams’s delicately affecting, sad-girl pop is well worth a listen.
Jack Harlow—“Tyler Herro” Overnight sensation? Hell, no. The Kentuckyborn rapper dropped his first mixtape ten years ago—while still in middle school! Now he’s about to see the fruits of his hustle.
Pa Salieu—“B***K” Hailing from the tough streets of Coventry, England, Salieu has combined his tales of hood life with an Afrobeat-inflected hip-hop sound.
Pretty Sick— “Allen Street” NYC still rocks, and the Sonic Youth-loving Pretty Sick (fronted by the über-cool Sabrina Fuentes) prove it with this track, a standout from their fiery debut Deep Divine.
DAV E G R O H L : G E T T Y I M AG E S ; S I D E B A R : H O L LY H U M B E R STO N E : P H O E B E FOX ; PA SA L I E U : W I L L R O B S O N - S COT T; P R E T T Y S I C K : M A N O N M AC ASA E T; OT H E R S : G E T T Y I M AG E S
Rockin’ On . . . and On
Listening Ahead
ART
Thick and Thin
TO CAPTURE THE ERA OF COVID-19 ON CANVAS, VANESSA PRAGER TOOK HER RICHLY TEXTURED OIL PAINTINGS TO A NEW DIMENSION B Y M I C H A E L S L E N S K E T H E P U N G E N T A R O M A of fresh oil paint greets you as
soon as you step into the chaotic sprawl of Vanessa Prager’s guesthouse-turned-studio in Glendale. Paint is abundant in Prager’s work: she applies it quite generously, and it sits and oozes in chunky, toothpaste-like tendrils on her canvases. “I wanted to simulate blankets and furry hugs and comfort— that sense of something taking over you,” says Prager, 36, pointing to a trio of seven-foot-tall canvases with cadmium-charged figures trapped under seas of pastel-and-white tube squeezes. Those works and a dozen others will comprise Static, her latest solo effort—her seventh in as many years—at Diane Rosenstein Gallery in Hollywood, running February 20 through April 10. “This idea of ‘static’ really seemed right because we’re all suspended in animation this year,” Prager says. Her intuitive approach is a product of her upbringing. She grew up in a Los Feliz apartment, the daughter of hippie parents who raised her and her sister “to value this kind of life and not to think too much about the future,” she says. “We weren’t jammed into what was the right thing to do. We were just on our own plane where you don’t know too much so you don’t think too much.” It was her older sister, Alex Prager, the autodidactic photographer whose elaborately staged photography and short films have been exhibited at museums from LACMA to MoMA, who provided a model for an improvised art career. After Vanessa finished high school—a boarding school outside of Portland, Oregon—she moved back to L.A. and lived with Alex for more than a decade. “Vanessa and I were both hustling our art, challenging each other, helping each other with ideas, and putting up one-nightonly shows wherever we could find good wall space,” recalls Alex, 41. “There was a certain point in her life when she couldn’t figure out how to get everything she was feeling into those paintings. This recent body of work is the most emotional of all.” Backpacking through Europe in her teens, Prager discovered painters like Titian, El Greco, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Lee Krasner; they influenced her approach during the pandemic. “I admired their paintings not so much for the technique but their ability to exist in their own time so perfectly,” says Prager. “I want to try and capture this sense of change, not only with the virus, but this reality that the naivete is gone, and that’s a coziness in itself. We just cannot go back in so many ways.”
P H O T O G R A P H BY J E F F V E S PA
L A M AG . C O M 25
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W H E R E T O E AT N O W
New & Notable Morihiro
AT WAT E R V I L L AG E O Rejoyce! Sushi master
Casual Fry Day
AFTER TEMPORARILY SHUTTERING HIS BUZZY, UPSCALE SPOT, DAMIAN, CHEF ENRIQUE OLVERA IS TURNING HIS ATTENTION TO TACOS AND FLAUTAS B Y A N D Y WA N G
F
O R A B O U T A M O N T H this past
daily for the taqueria. The process involves nixtafall, the stylish patio at Enrique malizing heirloom corn nightly and then grinding Olvera’s Arts District restaurant, the kernels at 7 each morning. “The most imporDamian, was L.A.’s buzziest place to tant part is the tortilla,” says Cervantes. dine. But when the county banned Complex salsas are also central to the taqueoutdoor dining in November, the acclaimed ria’s offerings. “I want to pay special attention to chef from Mexico City knew he needed to put not only levels of spiciness but also completely dishes like a $21 uni tostada and the $46 albadifferent flavor profiles,” says Olvera, whose facore carnitas on the back burner. It was time to vorite salsa is the guacachile, a bright, creamy start selling $8 beef tacos from a window. green sauce of jalapeños and güero chiles that Olvera announced Damian’s temporary cloadds a pleasant jolt of heat to beef tacos. sure on November 26. A week later, he opened Beyond tacos, Ditroit debuted with flautas, a back-alley taqueria called Ditroit behind tamales, amaranth horchata, paletas, churros, the restaurant. “It will definitely evolve,” says cocktails, bottles of wine from Damian, jarred Olvera, who unveiled the concept before figursalsas, and even fresh masa to take home. ing out what he would eventually cook on the But one recent week, guests were in no hurtaqueria’s rotating spit. “This is something I ry to head back to their houses, even though put together quickly so we could keep havDitroit’s outdoor seating was off-limits. Cusing income. It’s an effort to keep some people tomers lingered in the big parking lot as they working.” ate and drank out of their trunks and laughed Chef Jesus “Chuy” Cervantes is and talked with strangers who running the kitchen day-to-day. “It’s were doing exactly the same thing the same thought process as our Da20 feet away. Like pretty much evmian menu,” Cervantes says. “We’re erything else involving the restauvery much respectful of classic rant industry the past few months, Mexican techniques and traditions, this wasn’t the original plan. but we’re also trying to stay as local Olvera and Cervantes are still as possible and be supportive of the sorting things out, but Ditroit is alfarmers in California. Ditroit just ready a great time. “At the end of the allows us to be a little more playful day,” Cervantes says, “I think makand a little more rustic.” ing tacos is what most of us like to Olvera and Cervantes’s team is do anyway.” 2117 Violet St., Arts DisM A K I NG I T T O G O Chef Enrique Olvera making 500 to 1,000 fresh tortillas trict, ditroitdtla.com.
26 L A M AG . C O M
Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.
B OY L E H E I G H T S O This new pizzeria be-
neath the Paramount music venue features an eclectic menu from chefowner Mario Christerna, a Boyle Heights native and MasterChef Latino judge. Make a hearty meal out of thick-cut fries topped with beef chorizo and queso fresco, Flaming Hot Cheetos chicken wings, and vodka-sauce pizza. The concept is the first of several food offerings planned for the Paramount. 2706 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., brooklynavepizzaco.com.
Prince of Venice W E S T WO O D
O Prince Emanuele Filib-
erto di Savoia previously had a food truck, as Italian royalty often does. Now he’s opened a brickand-mortar place serving up everything from lemon bucatini and vegetarian lasagna to pepperoni pizza and panna cotta. 1091 Broxton Ave., princeofvenice.us. —HAILEY EBER
P H OTOS BY A R AC E L I PA Z
PA R K I NG L O T P E R F E C T I ON
Ditroit’s menu includes Alubia bean and Swiss chard tacos (left) and DIY micheladas.
Morihiro Onodera, who earned a Michelin star at Mori nearly a decade ago, has opened up an eastside joint specializing in upscale sushi to-go. Treat yourself to a 10-piece omakase set or a seasonal Bento box. You can even purchase the chef’s favorite Japanese rice, uncooked and by the pound, for your own cooking pursuits. 3133 Glendale Blvd., moriondera.com.
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The Inside Guide
PIZZA
Rolling in Dough WHEN MEDIA MOGULS AND BIG-NAME CHEFS NEED HELP PERFECTING THEIR PIZZAS, NOEL BROHNER IS THEIR GO-TO GUY B Y A N D Y WA N G
they need a hand to reexecutive chairalize their pizza visions. man Bob Iger reBrohner shows up with quired some asvarious charts and precisesistance with the pizzas ly measures the air and he makes as a hobby, he water temperatures to turned to Noel Brohner, a diagnose issues. He works former nightclub owner on a sliding scale and who has become L.A.’s gosometimes gives chefs free to dough guru. Brohner, advice, but he typically 53, advised Iger to use gas charges $300 an hour or instead of wood in his oven $30,000 a month for his until he got more comfortconsulting services. His able with controlling heat, enthusiastic clients and and the media mogul’s pizchef friends say his flourzas, which he likes to top and-water expertise is defwith vegetables from the initely worth the dough. “I garden of his Brentwood don’t think people really home, quickly improved. have an understanding of “He actually simplified the how many restaurants he process for me rather than has helped. He’s an uncomplicating it,” Iger says. sung hero,” says Funke. “In doing so, he gave me “He’s completely driven more confidence. There’s a by this animal: to know warmth about and understand him and a gensomething that erosity of spiris one part mys“He’s it that I think ticism, one part makes you feel instructional natural engigood about him. neering, and without He’s instructionone part just being overly completely unal without being critical. overly critical. known.” I don’t have to Brohner I don’t have feel like a comcame to his to feel like a pizza wizardry plete and total complete failure. He’s not late in life. He and total uptight, which I previously colove.” owned the Luna failure.” When APark restaurant/ BOB IGER ON listers like Iger nightclub on NOEL BROHNER or Tom Hanks South La Brea want perfect and didn’t start at-home pies, making pizza they turn to Brohner. Top until he was in his forchefs like Felix’s Evan ties. “I bought a book and Funke and Bestia’s Ori Mestarted teaching myself, nashe do the same when and it sucked,” he says. So WHEN DISNEY
28 L A M AG . C O M
he went to culinary school in New York City and immersed himself in the technical aspects of doughmaking. By day, he baked baguettes and croissants in the classroom. By night, he headed to pizzerias across the five boroughs to watch the action, eventually studying with Roberto Caporuscio of Kesté, one of New York City’s most acclaimed pizzerias. Then he returned to L.A. and took various line cook jobs and soon became known for his way with dough. When Menashe was opening Bestia in 2012 and needed help with his pizza’s sourdough starter, he called Brohner, who quickly diagnosed an issue: Bestia’s water had a different mineral content than the water Menashe was used to at his Silver Lake home. The solution was to make dough with Arrowhead water. “He walked in like the crazy mad scientist that he is,” Menashe says. “He came in, last-minute, and was able to figure it out.” Assisting Menashe put Brohner on the map as a dough doctor, and he went on to do work for numerous restaurants, including the Rose, the Slice & Pint, and many more. Chefs around town passionately sing his praises and recommend him to one another. When he was opening his new Venice trattoria, Ospi, Jackson Kalb hired
Brohner to help him craft flatbread pizzas inspired by those served at the famed Antico Forno Roscioli in Rome. Brohner explained that Roman flatbread and what Kalb actually had in mind were quite different. Complicating things further, Kalb decided he wanted to use a pasta sheeter for dough development. “I was like, ‘All right, motherfucker,’” Brohner says good-naturedly. “I just started trying to figure out how to make the dough that I thought he wanted.” After two test runs with different recipes, Brohner and Kalb nailed it. “He helped us every step of the way,” Kalb says, add-
P H O T O G R A P H BY C O R I NA M A R I E H OW E L L
HOW YOU SLICE IT Looking to cook up some primo pizza at home? Here, Brohner shares a few tips for doughing it yourself
T R AC K E V E RY T H I NG
F L O U R P OW E R
Pizza-dough maestro Noel Brohner commands as much as $30,000 a month for his consulting services.
Brohner remembers giving Bestia chef Ori Menashe some simple advice: Use a thermometer. He also suggests using a stopwatch, getting a scale, and keeping a “dough journal” detailing everything you did, the precise conditions, and how the pizza turned out. That’s how you can best get an idea of what truly works. “The recipe is the constant,” Brohner says. “The problem people have is managing the things that change.” US E YO U R H A N D S
ing, “I appreciate that he’s not arrogant. He doesn’t go around saying, ‘They’re only successful because of my fucking dough.’ He knows it’s a team.” It’s not only upscale restaurants and boldfacers who hire Brohner. In 2019, Scott Goldberg, the cofounder of Fresh Brothers, the Southern California pizza chain with 19 locations, had Brohner help improve the 20,000-plus pounds of dough his pizzerias go through each week. Goldberg wasn’t sure about changing the dough recipe he’d used for 25 years, dating back to when he made pizza in Chicago. But he admits that he heard occasional complaints about
how some Fresh Brothers crusts were too crackerlike or maybe a little stale. Brohner told Goldberg it was possible to improve the texture and consistency of his tavern-style and deepdish pizzas without changing any ingredients. “We added a little water,” Goldberg says. “We changed the order of all these things. It was like a real-live magic trick that I saw.” Actor Eric Wareheim first met Brohner at a dinner at Antico chef Chad Colby’s house and was dazzled by the bread he’d made. Wareheim hired Brohner to cook pizzas at his wedding, and the pizza expert is now helping him with some recipes in his
forthcoming cookbook. “There’s something about the way he teaches—this matter-of-fact style—that makes you really understand it,” says Wareheim. Before the pandemic, Brohner taught in-person group classes at Surfas Culinary District in Arlington Heights. He’s now teaching via Zoom and still yielding good results, if students’ impressive pictures on Instagram are any indication. “They’re a testament in the clearest form that the ‘pizza gospel’ I’m preaching is the real deal,” Brohner says. “Chefs tell me, ‘I can’t believe your students are posting those pizzas.’ And I find myself saying over and over, ‘I know, right?’”
Even if you have a professional mixer, your dough will improve if you finish it with your hands. “Artisan baking is a craft just like carpentry is a craft,” Brohner says. “A lot of what’s going on is hand feel. Removing the technology means the baker gets to insert his own feel.” TA K E I T S L OW
“I always say if you’re hungry and want a pizza, make yourself a quesadilla,” Brohner says. Slowly fermenting dough using cold water or refrigeration yields the best taste and texture. Depending on the style of pizza you’re making, you want to let dough rise anywhere from 8 to 96 hours. F O RG E T P E R F E C T I O N
Don’t fret about making a perfectly round pie; overworking dough can yield a chewy, flavorless pizza. “The ugliest dough makes the best pizza,” Brohner says. Want more? Sign up for Brohner’s classes at slowrisepizza.com. L A M AG . C O M 29
The Inside Guide
H O L I DAY S
The Rice Stuff A BELOVED VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR DISH IS FILLED WITH TRADITIONS NEW AND OLD BY JEAN TRINH
A
S A Q U E E R WO M A N
growing up in southeast Los Angeles, Diep Tran often felt out of place celebrating Vietnamese New Year at family gatherings, where heteronormative milestones like weddings and new babies were marked. Still, she loved making the traditional savory rice cakes known as bánh chung. “They’re just very festive,” says Tran, 48, the R&D chef behind Red Boat Fish Sauce. Nearly a decade ago, she launched the Banh Chung Collective, an annual celebration where LGBTQ people and their allies could make the dumplings together. This year, the collective is going virtual with a Zoom class on February 6, and bánh chung kits are available for purchase online or via participating restaurants like Yang’s Kitchen. (Go to goodgirldinette. com for more information.) “Making bánh chung is really easy,” Tran says. “But to master it, like mastering anything, is hard.” Here, she explains the process.
3
BOX I T
> Banana leaves are then cut into strips, quickly dunked in boiling water, and placed in an ice bath. After that, each leaf is wiped dry and folded around a three-inch square bánh chung mold to create a neat packet to be filled. Tran says, “Nothing’s more satisfying than seeing those little sharp corners.” 30 L A M AG . C O M
1
SOA K I T
> Pork belly is cut into
small cubes and marinated overnight in fish sauce and black pepper. Koda Farms sweet rice and mung beans are placed in separate bowls of water and also left to soak overnight. “You can use any kind of sweet rice,” says Tran. “But I like Koda sweet rice because it’s the most tender.”
4
FILL IT
> The rice, mung-bean paste, and pork belly are layered into the banana-leaf packet, which is then sealed and tied with twine. “I remember growing up,” Tran says. “It was mostly my aunties and my grandma coming together, and they were like, ‘OK, everybody take a station. Who has the rice station? Who has the pork station? Who has the banana-leaf station?’”
2
M A K E PA ST E
> The mung beans are simmered in boiling water until tender. In a separate pan, diced shallots are sauteed in butter or coconut oil until caramelized. The mung beans are then mashed and mixed with the shallots, salt, and pepper to form a savory paste. “The mung beans and shallots add so much flavor,” says Tran.
5
CO OK I T
> The bánh chung are quickly cooked in a pressure cooker or simmered in a large pot of water for several hours. After a quick rinse and some time to cool, they’re ready to be unwrapped and enjoyed. “Nothing beats a bánh chung just out of the water because that’s when it’s most tender,” says Tran, “and the aroma of the banana leaves is stronger.” I L LU S T R AT I O NS BY TA E L G O M E S
THE DISH
EYE CANDY
The colorful almond-jelly dessert at the new Chifa features edible flowers and a chicha morada syrup.
Fashion Plate
THE FRESHEST COLLAB FROM OPENING CEREMONY COFOUNDER HUMBERTO LEON ISN’T A HOT SNEAKER—IT’S A JELLY DESSERT BY HAILEY EBER
A S T H E C OF OU N DE R of fashion brand Open-
ing Ceremony, Humberto Leon has been involved with numerous noteworthy collaborations over the years, from creating T-shirts with Spike Jonze to taking Tevas to new levels of ugly chic. But the 45-year-old’s latest buzzy collab is an edible one. He’s teamed up with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law to open Chifa, a stylish new Eastside restaurant serving a mix of Chinese and Peruvian dishes that reflect both of his parents’ homelands. For dessert, Leon turned to his friend Lexie Park, 31, who worked at the Opening CeremoP H O T O G R A P H BY DA N I E L L E A DA M S
ny shop years ago and has since become known for making vibrant, high-design jelly cakes under the name Nünchi. Park whipped up a jiggling almond confection that tastes like a traditional Asian treat but is molded to resemble an ear of Peruvian purple corn. Leon created a complementary syrup by boiling down his secret recipe for chicha morada, a fruity, spiced South American corn beverage. The stunning dish has been known to sell out in minutes. “Like the best collaborations,” Leon says, “it’s the perfect example of a conversation that came to life.” 4374 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, chifa-la.com. L A M AG . C O M 31
The Inside Guide
H OW I G OT T H I S LO O K
T H E M OD C O U P L E
Rich Royal
Nightlife’s dapper duo deconstructs their signature style.
Nightlife impresario from Silver Lake, 43 Style Philosophy: » “I dress according to my mood. Some days I wake up and want to be a cowboy. Some days I wake up a Zen master and wear caftans. I’d say my overall vibe is fancy.”
Anya Varda Legendary gatekeeper of the Chateau Marmont from West Hollywood, 62 Style Philosophy: » “Glamorous and feminine. I try to make a statement. Shake things up! And if all else fails, wear leopard. That’s my mantra.” L I P ST I C K : I like a red lip at night.
H AT: I recently shot the new
It’s part of my retro evening look. This one’s MAC Viva Glam I. I use LeClerc powder in Ivoire and a brown eyeliner. And that’s it. I like to keep it simple.
hat collection for Gladys Tamez Millinery in downtown L.A. We bartered and I got a couple hats. I’d been wanting a cowboy hat for a while. This one is a little Larry Hagman. I grew up watching Dallas, so who else would I want to look like?
F U R CO L L A R : This is real fur—
but somebody gifted it to me; I didn’t buy it. People just give me things! And I’ve worn them because I’m outside the Chateau freezing my ass off every night.
S H I R T: I got the shirt at Express. All of my white shirts are crisp. I dry-clean everything! I only wash my underwear.
COAT: I just typed “vintage evening coat” on eBay and this popped up. I’ve gotten a lot of coats from that site over the years. Most are black. Generally, they’re several hundred dollars, but I got this one brand-new, with all the tags, for $250.
JAC K E T: I have three se-
quined jackets by Any Old Iron, based in Nashville. One’s gold, one’s silver, and this one’s called the Oil Slick—it’s reversible. If you brush the sequins up or down, it can look blue, green, or gold—or all three. PA N TS : My go-to black slacks have a little stretch and are from Nordstrom Rack. Honestly, I can wear a $25 pair of pants and they look like Gucci or Prada on me! S U N G L ASS E S : They’re vin-
tage, from the Rose Bowl, actually. The frames are 14-karat gold. ACC E SS O R I E S : I always carry a
white hankie in my pocket because my grandfather did. I order them by the pack on Amazon. My friend Drew bought me this bow tie from Tom Ford when we were going to the opera at Versailles. This is my grandfather’s lucky horseshoe ring with little diamonds. And I have a Rolex. It’s fake—only cost a couple hundred dollars. But it’s a really great imitation, though it doesn’t work all the time. 3 2 L A M AG . C O M
D R E SS : Three years ago, I saw
somebody wearing this dress from Zara, and I literally ran after her, saying: “Your dress, where did you get it?” I prefer long dresses. I don’t have skinny legs and you need skinny legs to wear shorter things.
“Sweatpants Are a Sign of Defeat” KARL LAGERFELD SAID IT FIRST, BUT THESE STYLE-MAD L.A. SCENESTERS COULDN’T AGREE MORE . EVEN A PANDEMIC WON’T KEEP THEM FROM TURNING IT OUT BY MERLE GINSBERG
E A R R I N G S : I got these from eBay. Whenever I’m bored I scroll the site and buy lots of $2 earrings from China. B R AC E L E TS : My favorites are
from Mantraband. They sell bangles with sayings. I like this quote from Macbeth: “Full of scorpions is my mind.” My Indian baby bangle with bells I got in Little India on a food run. One bracelet says “Fucking Fancy.” H A N D B AG : This is a Givenchy
clutch from several years ago, which I love. It’s beat-up, but that makes me like it more. I hate perfection. Except when it comes to makeup. P H O T O G R A P H BY J O S E F JA S S O
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The Inside Guide
L . A . ’ S M O S T WA N T E D
SLUMBER PARTY PRETTIES
SHARING IS CARING
ONLY HEARTS
Lingerie is a gift you give to yourself and your lover. “What’s a better gift than that?” asks Only Hearts’ Lisa Fremont. Punctuated with bright red hearts, this robe allows more modest ladies to celebrate Valentine’s Day in comfort and style. $92 at 1407 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, or onlyhearts.com.
PLAYING COY
KIKI DE MONTPARNASSE
What ups the browse-to-buy ante for the discerning lingerie lover? “The perfect seductive shade of red,” confirms Kiki de Montparnasse’s Stephanie Inzalaco, who notes the lacy, low-rise corset panty and matching bra’s popularity with both men and women. “It’s flirty, sheer, and oh so much fun.” $245 at kikidemontparnasse.com.
Hot Commodities L.A.’S LINGERIE SHOPS REVEAL THEIR MOST POPULAR ITEMS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY—FROM MILD TO EXTRA SPICY BY SARAH FONES
STRAP IN
KEEP IT BRIEF
When your evening calls for something a little extra, the Masochist Harness Cage Dress will do the trick. It hooks at the bust and rear waist, plus it comes with chain-linked cuffs and a choker. “It’s impossible to resist—so fun and naughty!” says Trashy Lingerie’s Veronica O’Neil. $315 at 402 N. La Cienega Blvd., Fairfax, or trashy.com.
While women may have to contend with a visible panty line, men are left to deal with sad, saggy styles that leave a lot to be desired. Enter MeUndies’ micro-modal boxer briefs, an “OG” for the newbie brand that offers “the perfect combo of soft yet supportive and strong,” says the label’s Jeremy Lowenstein. He also promises they’ll stay in place—“No bunching and, best of all, no wedgies.” $24 at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, or meundies.com.
TRASHY LINGERIE
PEEK-A-BOO ELSE
Functional but rarely fashionable, strapless bras tend to rank somewhere below old Spanx. Not so this eyecatching Petunia style, made to layer beneath off-the-shoulder dresses and tops. “The eyelash lace on the edges with the combination of floral lace and fishnet is very modern and flattering,” says Else’s Ela Onur. $95 at 7967 Melrose Ave., Fairfax, elselingerie.com.
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MEUNDIES
FEMME FATALE
AGENT PROVOCATEUR
Channeling a hint of mod glam, the Lorna garter belt is both girly and ladylike. Made to pair with a matching bra and panties, this longtime Agent Provocateur fan fave was “reimagined in hot pink with contrasting red trim covering romantic scalloped edges,” explains creative director Sarah Shotton. $85 at 242 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, or agentprovocateur.com.
Toeing that perfect line between sweet and sexy, this hand-dyed PJ top is “incredibly cozy,” says Pretties’ Linda Meltzer. The garment first made its debut in the 1994 film Clueless and has been reissued many times since. “Customers can sense the difference from mass, fast fashion lines.” $75 at 1415 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, or prettiesvenice.com.
PRETTY LITTLE THINGS LA PERLA
For the discerning woman who appreciates the finer things— especially the garments worn closest to her skin—this matching cami and knickers can’t be beat. Both pieces are “made with Italian silk from Como and finished by hand with artisanal Florentine frastaglio embroidery,” explains La Perla’s Morgan Richardson. $640 and $480 at 433 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, or laperla.com.
INTERIORS
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SOMETHING IN THE AIR 1) Tom Dixon Water diffuser, $140 at tomdixon.net. 2) Diptyque hourglass diffuser, $190 at 202 N. Larchmont Blvd., Larchmont Village. 3) Ellia glass diffuser, $48 at ellia.com. 4) Le Labo Santal 26 diffuser, $600 at Le Labo, 3531 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake.
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5) Vitruvi stone diffuser, $119 at vitruvi.com. 6) Himalayan saltlamp diffuser, $60 at hammacher.com.
Uncommon Scents
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NEED TO DE-STRESS? OF COURSE, YOU DO. THESE ARTFUL GADGETS SEND SOOTHING ESSENTIAL OILS THROUGHOUT YOUR HOME B Y L I N D A I M M E D I AT O
E
V E N B E F O R E T H E PA N D E M I C , calming home fragrances were enjoying quite a boom, as evidenced by the pungent proliferation of sprays, candles, and potpourri at aromatic emporiums like Candle Delirium and the Scent Bar. But with many Angelenos marooned at home, demand for the products has exploded. Jürgen Fülle, who teaches cell and neurobiology at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, says smell is the most immersive of our senses, with a unique neurological ability to both stimulate and soothe the human psyche. While candles still dominate the scent market, many aroma aficionados are opting for a cleaner, less flammable alternative: essential oils, emitted via designer diffusers. You can choose from a host of striking dispensers, from simple clay vessels to groovy electric ones that glow like candlelight. Some are even equipped with a humidifier. Here are six you’ll want to sniff out.
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L.A. Stories
A N NA B E L L E G U RW I T C H
I T ’S A M AT C H !
Ask any Jewish person if they know someone who has met their partner at a Matzo Ball, and chances are they’ll answer in the affirmative.
largest virtual-speed-dating event. Ask any Jewish person if they know someone who has either attended or met their partner at a Matzo Ball, and chances are they’ll answer in the affirmative. “That’s where almost all of my Jewish friends met their spouses,” Linda, one of my childhood friends, told me. While working as a policy analyst at the Department of Energy, she attended the 1994 DC shindig where she struck up a conversation with her now-husband of 25 years. The 28-year-old son of another friend never misses the New York City ball because of its reputation for attracting both a “classy and trashy” crowd, while a studioexecutive pal fondly recalled a ball held at the Troubadour, which landed her in a threesome with “a formerly Orthodox girl and a guy hung like a challah.” Since the recent dissolution of a twodecade-long marriage, I’ve mostly eschewed dating. “I’m practicing ‘radical aloneness,’” I’d tell friends and family, “radical” carrying unimpeachable heft in Los Angeles; at any moment, locals are practicing “radical empathy” or “radical honesty.” I feel confident that someone in my zip code is leading a workshop on “radical Swiffering.” The online daters in my circle are like dieters who’ve adopted extreme juice cleanses, insisting that I give one a shot. Since COVID-19 turned us all into shut-ins and my conversations with my cats have grown more lengthy, I’ve reconsidered my dating moratorium. A friend suggested Raya. Aside from my ON CHRISTMAS EVE, I SAILED OFF ON AN ONLINE JOURNEY TO FIND uncertainty over whether I might qualiA SAVORY JEWISH DATE. INSTEAD, I ENDED UP IN THE SOUP fy for the celebrity dating site, there’s the question of whether I want to date someone who self-identifies as a celebrity. ReaN YO N E W H O H A S enjoyed a bowl of matzo soning that my recent cancer diagnosis might provide a conball soup knows that matzo balls are either sinkversation starter, and maybe I’d meet someone with great ers or floaters. Cooking up a floater is a lot like insurance, I googled “cancer dating sites.” “People living finding love; it requires an almost alchemical with cancer are looking great these days,” I thought, while combination of luck and timing. A buoyant ball checking out profiles at CancerFriendsDate.com, until I reseems to defy nature, while a dense, leaden orb can sit in alized it was a site for dating Cancers, people who fall under your stomach stewing for a long time. Then there’s the anthe astrological sign. nual Christmas Eve Matzo Ball, a mixer for single members Others suggested Jewish sites, but there was only a brief of the tribe, founded in 1987 by entrepreneur Andy Rudnick. period when I specifically dated Jews. One consisted of atSince then, Matzo Balls have been held in dozens of cities tending a High Holiday service at the Temple for the Peraround in U.S. This year, the ball pivoted from in-person to forming Arts, where congregants read scripts tucked inside online, in what was ambitiously advertised as the world’s prayer books. At this point, I’m an atheist who leads a secu-
The Belle of the Matzo Ball
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40 L A M AG . C O M
I L LU S T R AT I O N BY JA S O N R A I S H
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4 2 L A M AG . C O M
H AV I NG A B A L L
Scenes from Matzo Balls past. Founded in Boston in 1987 by real estate broker Andy Rudnick, the event has since spread to cities across the U.S.
the same men. Lest this indicate that it was an issue limited to our ages, my cousin reported geographic headscratchers, a lively debate with an itinerant cowboy over whether Panda Express qualifies as Chinese food, and an assignation with a dude in his early twenties, in his pj’s, lounging in his childhood bedroom, stuffed animals lined up on the windowsill behind him. “I keep getting matched with old women,” he’d complained. The remainder of my evening unfolded with five additional meetups, punctuated by a total of 120 minutes in the waiting room with Hannah’s video, an experience reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange. My spirits lifted when my screen revealed a gentleman wearing a suit jacket, but quickly fell when my date allowed that he was Zooming from Vegas, where he’d relocated for “tax purposes,” and I noticed that his positioning in front of a set of mini blinds suggested he was serving time in a white-collar-crime prison facility. “Not to be a conspiracy theorist,” whispered my last date. “Exactly who do you think benefits from my being matched with women in the wrong city?” “The Matzo Ball mafia?” I answered, a bit tipsy by this point. “Exactly,” he said, just before the clock ran out and a UTI kicked in. Both friends bailed after 90 min-
PHOTO BY MATTHEW J. LEE/THE BOSTON GLOBE VIA GETTY IMAGES; INSTAGRAM.COM/ED_48.WI
lar life, but attending the Matzo Ball someone in Orange County.” Instead seemed like a small enough investof reaching Hannah, though, I was ment of time. What could go wrong? placed in the waiting room for 20 So I began stalking the website. minutes. “We encourage you to watch The flashing updates quickened my a video,” the screen instructed. I hit pulse: 2,718 have viewed the site in play, certain I’d be treated to datthe last 24 hours. 110 reserved ticking tips—or maybe an upsell, as the ets. Shannon in Boca registered. Josite offers concierge matchmaking—but, no, it was merely that same nah in L.A. registered. A video feavideo of Hannah. I was tempted to turing Hannah from Matzo Ball HQ visit the bathroom, but, promised a minimum of afraid I might miss my 20 dates during the twonext date, I sipped wine hour event. Attendees My spirits and remained glued to were to fill out a dating the screen. profile. I filled mine out lifted when I was next mystifyingand excitedly recruited a my screen ly matched with a guy in cousin, 30, and two sinrevealed a Phoenix approximately gle friends, one in her gentleman 20 years too young. Perforties, the other closer to my age, 59. wearing a suit haps during the nineteenth century, it might On Christmas Eve jacket. But have made sense that morning, though, I woke they fell when a Jewish shidduch reup in a panic: I had no I saw he was quired scouring the enidea how to speed date. Luckily, Lauren Frances, Zooming from tire western region of United States for L.A.’s preeminent love Vegas, where the an actual date, but as coach, is a friend. “Men he’d relocated L.A. is home to the secare often uncomfortond-largest population able at first, so toss out a for “tax of Jews in America, it compliment, like, ‘I appurposes.” seemed perverse that in plaud your willingness to 2020, a six-hour schlep show up,’” she said. would be required. Two hours to countAn imposing Russian resembling down, I blew out my hair for the first the handsome but menacing GRU oftime in months, applied makeup, and ficer in Homeland claimed we were squeezed myself into pants tighter in the same city, but ours was less than I’d remembered. I was ready. date than interrogation. He peered, O O O O steely-eyed, into the lens, repeating my name over and over. “Annabelle T H E E V E N I N G B E G A N with HanGurwitch, Annabelle Gurwitch. So nah from HQ welcoming us in a vidtell me, what do you do, Annabelle eo. She invited us to sip wine or go Gurwitch?” I barely had time to anfreshen up while in the waiting room swer that I was a writer, when he between dates, and if any problems announced that he’d written nine arose, she said, she was standing by to screenplays, four novels, and assortoffer live assistance. ed short stories. Channeling Lauren, Let’s call my first date Forehead, I applauded his productivity during because I never saw more than the the pandemic. top of his keppie. Forehead might O O O O have been hovering in the stratosphere—I’ll never know, as his comI WA S O N M Y T H I R D glass of wine puter screen provided the only illuin the waiting room, when a friend mination; behind him was complete texted, “This is more matzo brie than darkness. How did Forehead make it matzo ball.” “I feel like I’m a social through ten months of the pandemic worker making wellness checks,” textwithout figuring out Zoom? ed the other. Both tried to contact Forehead resides two hours south Hannah regarding being matched in of L.A., so when the date ended, I far-flung locations, but with no luck. reached out to Hannah. “I’m in the Comparing notes, we learned that the wrong region,” I said to a virtual asthree of us had gone on dates with sistant. “I was just matched with
utes, while my cousin went on a total of ten (fruitless) dates. Though one dubbed the event “One Flew Over the Matzo Ball,” we all felt that the evening served as a reminder of the isolation we were all experiencing and maybe it had been a mitzvah to visit with strangers on Christmas Eve. “At least no one was Toobin-ing it,” we all agreed. And my friend’s 28-year-old son? He and a pal had attended, and both were matched with Rudnick’s twin daughters. O O O O
T H E N E X T DAY, I phoned Rud-
nick, who sounded genuinely crestfallen that he hadn’t delivered a more successful event. “Pivoting to online was a huge learning curve,” he said. When I reported that one of my friends wound up on a date with an empty chair, he gave the only appropriate answer, “Oy,” before explaining that the system had crashed. He’d miscalculated and understaffed, and it had been bedlam. “We’re offering refunds,” he said, in a gesture more menschy than schnorrer, adding that he’s addressing all of the issues for their upcoming Valentine’s Day event. As he spoke, I recalled my grandmother’s dictum that if you make a matzo ball too large, it’s more likely to sink. No word on whether the entire enterprise was a ruse to marry off his twins. On the upside, at a time when travel has been curtailed, my friends and I managed to meet up with people in cities across the Southwest. Sure, it wasn’t Paris, but it was memorable—an evening that mirrored what it might be like if you found yourself snowed in at an airport and invited any fellow travelers who’d been bar mitzvahed to stop by your gate for a five-minute klatch. Me, I’m not sure that being matched solely on the basis of shared genetics is enough to recommend my attendance at another ball, but I am endeavoring to fix my cousin up with my friend’s 28-year-old son. Now, if that’s a match, wouldn’t that be bashert? Annabelle Gurwitch cohosts the Tiny Victories podcast. Her latest essay collection, You’re Leaving When?, will be published on March 2.
PROMOTION
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PetFest Cutest Pet Contest Call for Entries February 11 – March 10 Enter online at petfestla.com
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Thursday, February 11, 5 p.m. Virtual Event
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CASA of Los Angeles Wine+Art Saturday, February 6, 6:30 p.m. Virtual Event
Don’t miss CASA/LA’s Wine+Art virtual fundraiser featuring libations, J\SPUHY` KLSPNO[Z HUK HY[ H\J[PVU MLH[\YPUN WYVSPÄ J HUK emerging artists. Enjoy a Food+Wine Box courtesy of local restaurants from the comfort of your own home. Bid on art by Ed Ruscha, Shepard Fairey, Wrdsmth and more. Wine tasting reception hosted by Erin & Sara Foster. All proceeds support children in L.A. County’s foster care system.
For tickets and more information visit CASALA.org/wineart
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Rhône Warriors Wednesday & Saturday, February 24th & 27th, 7 p.m. This is a virtual tasting event with wine delivered to your home
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L A M AG . C O M 43
Our Town
JEFF WEISS
There Goes the Neighborhood IS EREWHON’S ARRIVAL IN SILVER LAKE THE FINAL ARTISANAL NAIL IN THE RAPIDLY GENTRIFYING ENCLAVE’S BOHO COFFIN? T H E S I LV E R L A K E E R E W H O N threw open its in doors in September. But even if you live near Sunset Junction, you may not have noticed the gluten-free, celebrity-infused emporium on Santa Monica Boulevard until about three weeks later, when a photo on Twitter captured an impromptu BDSM scene transpiring near the store’s tonic bar. The images showed a platform-booted dominatrix leading her masked and leashed submissive on a Saturday morning stroll through the supermarket in search of organic, coldpressed coconut Bulgarian rose water. The tweet was viewed by more than 100,000 people, proving that a viral picture is worth a thousand grand openings. Erewhon’s first branch east of La Brea is the latest privateequity-backed rook slotted into an area already checkmated by gentrification. Over the last decade, the Kardashianannointed natural-foods market catering to Moon Juice moms and Tesla drivers with topaz collections has become 4 4 L A M AG . C O M
an inescapable icon of the Westside—Venice imitating Topanga imitating Beverly Hills adjacent. The arrival of Erewhon completes the poisoning of Silver Lake with sparkling hop water laced with adaptogens and nootropics. Neighborhoods never die a corporeal death. They slowly atrophy and mutate, leaving behind a husk of corporate salad chains and hemp-latte bazaars. In that sense, Silver Lake has been slipping into a coma for years. But the appearance of the exorbitantly priced paleo palace might be the final gasp of the former bohemian refuge. The thousand deaths of Silver Lake are open to postmortem, but different theories about when it began are likely to be determined by how long you’ve lived there. For me, the first domino fell when Spaceland, the famed concert venue, banned smoking from the glass-paneled upstairs bar in the late 2000s (by some weird loophole, smoking was permitted there for a decade after the statewide prohibition in 1998). Many point to the 2003 suicide of Elliott Smith, a freI L LU S T R AT I O N BY A L E X F I N E
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O O O O
BUT THANKS TO heedless developers and city council representatives, the gentrification metastasized. By 2016, a bourgeois wine den, Bar Angeles, brazenly mutilated the storefront that appeared on the cover of Smith’s Figure 8 album and served as his unofficial shrine, allowing patrons an unobstructed view of the boulevard. The bar sank in less than two years, but the desecration endures. Older residents could reasonably claim that Silver Lake has slowly perished since the mid-’90s, when it became fashionable for musicians, writers, and artists to flock east in search of affordable lodging. Inspired by the example of Beck and the Dust Brothers, mostly white hipsters began trickling into a neighborhood then largely populated by working-class Latino families and middle-aged gay men besieged by a still-raging AIDS epidemic. (Silver Lake was the site of the 1967 Black Cat Tavern protest against police brutality that predated New York’s Stonewall riots by two years.) Initially, there was room for peace46 L A M AG . C O M
F U L L C I RC L E Above: A celebrant at Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction Fair in 2009. In September, a dominatrix’s stroll through Erewhon quickly went viral.
ful coexistence between these disparate groups. The Sunset Junction Fair—an annual outdoor music festival—was founded in 1980 for that exact purpose, but it permanently vanished in 2011 amid accusations of financial mismanagement. More recently, the toll of disappearing landmarks has continued: the seminal gay bar MJ’s became a reviled cocktail hangout called Tenants of the Trees. Circus of Books, which sold everything from British import magazines to gay porn, morphed into an upscale cannabis dispensary. Not far away, El Chavo, once the city’s best spot to get drunk on margaritas while listening to ’70s Nigerian funk, became the Crux Climb, a gym offering “a high-calorie burn using Contra-Lateral Movement on the VersaClimber.” RIP, also, to Good Luck Bar, a Los Feliz opium den with an excellent jukebox, which was evicted in favor of a 17-room boutique hotel yet to be constructed. The beloved “Happy Foot/Sad Foot” sign that once revolved at Sunset and Benton was amputated in 2019. In December, Akbar, one of the area’s last surviving gay bars, put up a GoFundMe to stave off imminent closure. It managed to raise $150,000 in six hours, but still needs $200K. There’s lots of nostalgia for “old” Silver Lake now, but the truth is there was always a streak of goatee-stroking pretension about the place. The idea of the Eastside as a diverse, creative, and sexually liberated enclave existed in stark contrast to the East Coast stereotype of the rest of L.A. as a cultural wasteland entranced by celebrity. But
Erewhon’s appearance in the neighborhood hammers a final nail into that notion. Instead, it has become WeHo East, a lacquered shell, a selfrealized cliché. As it happens, Erewhon is now the grocery store nearest my apartment. In the 500-yard walk between my place and the store, the inequities are hard to ignore. Signs touting free “Grab & Go” meals are taped to the fence of the junior high, a reminder of the 80 percent of LAUSD district students living in poverty. Over the last two years, a homeless encampment has sprung up underneath an overpass and in nearby vans—a makeshift civilization of the displaced, lined with couches, rotting mattresses, shopping carts, sleeping bags, cardboard boxes, and tents. The Sunset Silver Lake looms a few feet away, a flavorless Chipotle Modern complex hiding behind heavy security doors and No Trespassing signs. You might miss this particular Erewhon if you didn’t know it was there, which is precisely the point. The market unobtrusively occupies the ground floor of a sleek metal box of luxury apartments, the “Junction 4121.” For some of its old-school neighbors, the building’s advertising must seem like an invitation to arson: Your Ideal L.A. Lifestyle. Stylish. Hip. Modern. A 655-square-foot one-bedroom here rents for $4021 a month, plus utilities. But for Erewhon, elaborate signage is unnecessary. Cults don’t need selfpromotion when they have proselytizers like Vanity Fair, which hailed Erewhon as “everyone’s favorite grocery
ST R E E T FA I R R E V E L E R : G E T T Y I M AG E S ; D O M I N AT R I X : T W I T T E R ( N OT S U R E W H O T W E E T E D I T )
quent local performer, his exit coinciding with the enclave’s rechristening as “Williamsburg West,” the branded locus of a flourishing arts scene. Others trace the neighborhood’s demise to 2010, when Spaceland was rechristened the Satellite. (More recently, COVID-19 forced the permanent closure of the Silver Lake Boulevard indie mecca; the owner fittingly plans to turn it into an organic restaurant.) When I moved into the neighborhood in the mid-2000s, my block was still dicey. We’re not exactly talking New York’s Alphabet City in the ’70s, but it was the kind of place where every third building looked like a trap spot, and feral cats had the lay of the land. For a time, Silver Lake lived up to its reputation as the most atypical neighborhood in Los Angeles. Rent was relatively modest. Free Mondaynight residency concerts offered a chance for anyone to catch the next breakout bands. You could watch the first L.A. shows of Tame Impala and Vampire Weekend for ten dollars at concerts attended by 50 people or less. Next door, in Los Feliz, nightly indie rock and jazz reigned at Tangier (now a Starbucks) and the Swingers-immortalized Derby (now a Chase bank).
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store hot spot” in October. “Everyone” being Cara Delevingne, Jake Gyllenhaal, Demi Lovato, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Miley Cyrus. At one point in 2018, Kanye called his schlub-chic athleisure ensemble, “the Erewhon drip.” Shortly thereafter, a marketing company started selling “Erewhon Drip Fits” (Erewhon-branded sweatpants and a hoodie) for $300 a pop. The supermarket’s Silver Lake outpost is 12,000 square feet, substantially smaller than the original Erewhon on Beverly Boulevard near the Grove. That means there’s room only for the finest in grass-fed New Zealand Wagyu beef and grain-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan cinnamon crisps made with coconut sugar and 100 percent avocado oil. It’s the only place on earth that can make Whole Foods look like Costco. But that’s a relatively recent development, because Erewhon itself is a product of corporate gentrification. Founded in Boston amid the macrobiotic fads of the Aquarian age, the market’s headquarters moved to Los Angeles in 1969. Its name derives from Samuel Butler’s 1872 novel, Erewhon (nowhere backwards), which contained a line that could also serve as the mantra of the market’s clientele: “We next to never know when we are well off.” For the first 40-plus years of its West Coast life, Erewhon charmingly existed in a lone location near Pan Pacific Park—an endearing granola-andflax-seed oasis in competition with markets like Mrs. Gooch’s, Wild Oats, and, eventually, Whole Foods. But at the start of the last decade, an entrepreneurial couple named Tony and Josephine Antoci bought the chain and began an expansion plan targeting well-heeled zip codes: Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas, and now the place that GQ in 2018 called “L.A.’s Most Tragically Hip Neighborhood.” Soon after, Stripes, the Manhattan-based venture capital and equity behemoth, sunk millions into Erewhon with the goal of turning it into a national brand shilling one percent oat milk to the one percent. O O O O
IT ’S THE SAME PAT TERN playing
out in most major metro areas. Firstwave gentrifiers congregate somewhere in search of affordable apartments. Eventually, Forbes names it the hippest place to get a stick and
poke tattoo, and then capital and condo owners rush in. Silver Lake was an alternative for those who found Williamsburg and Park Slope too frigid and too pricey, filled with the kind of people who rode unicycles and spoke Esperanto. If the analogies felt forced a decade ago, they’re more fitting now. Inevitably, the neighborhood fell victim to the same real estate boosterism that created a vortex for rich and dairy-free depressives. Silver Lake is Williamsburg, but it’s also the Mission in San Francisco, Capitol Hill in Seattle, and Wicker Park in Chicago. In 2015, the average rent for a one bedroom here was $1595 a month. When the pandemic began last March, the cost had soared to $2600. In the last six years, median home prices have nearly doubled, peaking at $1.4 million last September.
In a quirk of latecapitalist irony, Erewhon itself is a product of corporate gentrification. While it’s fair to indict the gentrification cavalry (myself included), most of the original artists were theoretically there to contribute to and enrich the community. They have been swiftly displaced in favor of post-modern yuppies, all too self-aware of the stereotypes of the ’80s and ’90s. Hence, their predilection for Burning Man, Joshua Tree Airbnb getaways, and Erewhon. For them, greed is still good, but admitting it is gauche. On a recent afternoon, I ventured into the Silver Lake Erewhon to soak up the scene. And they were all there, the teeming masses: the part-time Fashion Nova models suffering acute withdrawal from the Coachella VIP section; the apothecary bros in haute couture kilts
and Diesel shoes; Warner Bros. A&Rs in leather jackets and N-95 masks; USC sorority girls with fake paint on their black jeans; and moms spending car payments on a single bag of groceries. But since we are further east, there were also a few remnants of what was. The aging punks with messy graying hair, the band managers in straw hats. A few of the discombobulated ghosts of Spaceland. From the speakers above thumped a techno remix of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” I wandered the aisles in need of a Wikipedia entry for each item. The tonic bar with its $11 Reishi cappuccinos and $25 “immunity lineups.” Keto BBQ chicken pizzas for $18. Kombucha by the caseload, but which to select? The Boochcraft grapefruit hibiscus or the Dr. Hops Kombucha pomegranate chai beer? Eggs are $12 a dozen at Erewhon, corn-free, soy-free, antibioticfree, and locally raised. There’s something called raw Irish moss sundries, which may or may not be edible, and organic Alter Eco salted caramel truffles for “enlightened indulgence.” I found myself examining a display of spicy-chipotle-flavored organic artisanal popcorn with wild turmeric and lion’s mane. The bag soothed me by letting me know that it’s a superfood packed with anti-inflammatories. It’s an immune booster. It will add brainpower. (It’s popcorn!) And therein lies the grift: If Erewhon and its vendors began with noble and healthful intentions, they ended up purveying a series of hollow buzzwords and false promises to prey on some of the most selfinvolved people on earth. In a land where there is no shame in changing your hair, your body, or your entire face, it’s only right that its most affected are purchasing something called “Barely Bread”—grain-free “pagels” made with almond flour. As I stared numbly at the bag of super-popcorn, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Soul to Squeeze” serenaded me. This was always a dark side of L.A., but Silver Lake existed as the escape hatch. It’s now merely occupied territory, a lotusland parody come roaring back to life. On my way out, I heard a Lululemon mom tell the girl at the counter, “I was totally one of those fools last year on New Year’s Eve, who was like, ‘I can feel it—this is going to be our year, baby.’” If only she knew that every year. L A M AG . C O M 47
Y, E L L A V N O C I L I ES S I H O T C E A T C I N GE O A M W A E . T N N N F O A I O S T D U M N L O BA VO FR E G R N I H W T L O ? A R E E H G A GR L N A LO N O E I V T I A L N U YO GA P N I L D E A H E LY L IS L A U T C TA I L L I W BUT
AROUND THE BENDS Max Lugavere in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. In the traditional medical world, HBO chambers are used to help heal brain injuries. Biohackers believe the machines aid in anti-aging and health optimazation.
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taken root across the country, and especially in L.A., which has emerged, unsurprisingly, as the biohacking capitol of the world. Upgrade Labs has outposts in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, Next Health is headquartered in West Hollywood and has a second lab in Century City, OsteoStrong and Peak Brain are in Culver City, while Monarch and Remedy Place are in West Hollywood. Meanwhile, a new generation of L.A.based biohacking thought leaders, like Storey, Max Lugavere, and Aaron Alexander, are becoming the sages of the biohack era, each boasting their own Avengers-like superpower. Keto! Movement! Consciousness! Whether or not any of this actually adds years, or even minutes, to anybody’s life is debatable. But it’s clearly improving the health of a lot of people’s bank accounts. A recent McKinsey Global Institute study projects that biohacking could become a trillion-dollar industry over the next decade, an outlook that has attracted boutique investment firms like Laura Deming’s Longevity Fund and Sergey Young’s Longevity Vision Fund to pour millions into start-ups within the biohacking and longevity space. Apple, Amazon, and Google have all, in various ways, signaled an interest in competing in the sphere as well. And while the coronavirus pandemic has in some ways slowed growth, temporarily closing some of the biohacking spas, it’s also opened up opportunities and helped expand the movement’s reach. Now more than ever, people are looking for novel ways to tweak and improve their immune systems and increase their life spans—even if that sometimes means getting an ozone enema.
DAVE ASPREY: JAMIE KINGHAM/CAMERA PRESS/REDUX; TONY HSIEH: FILMMAGIC; PETER THIEL: ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES; NEXT HEALTH: ROCHELLE BRODIN/GETTY IMAGES FOR NEXT HEALTH; COURTESY UBGRADE LABS.
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U K E S T O R E Y C O M M I T S H I S first hack at dawn—precisely when the sun crests the horizon at a 30-degree angle, providing a supercharged light that he swears optimally dials his circadian rhythm and neurotransmitters. Sungazing is often followed by a ten-minute plunge in an industrial freezer full of 40-degree water—a jerry-rigged ice bath. After toweling off, the rangy, six-footthree 50-year-old then ascends to the top of his Laurel Canyon property where he has converted a toolshed into a new-age gym that looks like it was outfitted by someone who has watched the Iron Man trilogy a few too many times. There’s a hyperbaric chamber that he meditates in before he flips on the mitochondria-boosting light panels that hang from the walls. Naked, he stands for five minutes on a full-body-vibration plate before he plops into a chair covered by an infrared heating pad and plugs himself into several gizmos as he absorbs the natural energies emitted from a $15,000 machine called the Biocharger that, in theory, pumps up the voltage in human cells. His favorite biohack gadget, however, is in a nearby utility closet: a suitcase containing an aluminum canister with a tube that runs through a cooling mechanism ending in a foot-long catheter, five inches of which Storey inserts into his anus several times a week to pump ozone directly into his body. Once that’s all done, he’s ready for a cup of coffee. For anyone unfamiliar with Storey’s popular podcast, The Life Stylist, on which he shares his experiences as one of L.A.s preeminent biohackers, this daily protocol may seem like the routine of a madman. Storey doesn’t entirely disagree: “I’m amazed my girlfriend puts up with all of it,” he says, referring to Alyson Charles, a local shaman who regularly walks in on her boyfriend with a contraption jammed into one of his orifices. But Storey, a recovering addict and former stylist for bands like Aerosmith and Marilyn Manson, takes his profession seriously, almost messianically. “What if you had a life where you never had to go to the doctor? And, instead, you became your own doctor? That, to me, is the essence of biohacking,” he says when asked to define what he actually does. In fact, biohacking is an amorphous term that includes a wide range of activities—everything from sleep tracking, fasting, and meditation, to implanting chips and hardware into the body. However you define it, though, it’s becoming a booming new industry, with a vanguard of biohacking podcasters and deep-pocketed entrepreneurs pushing the movement into the mainstream—or at least mainstream adjacent. Pioneers include Bulletproof Coffee founder Dave Asprey, 4-Hour Workweek lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss, and fitness mogul Ben Greenfield. (Twitter’s Jack Dorsey is also an avid biohacking proponent.) In August, Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk unveiled Neuralink, a new venture aimed at creating electronic-brain interfaces that can extend, enhance, or restore human capabilities. Biohacking gyms and labs have
THE BODY ELECTRIC Opposite page: Dave Asprey, considered the godfather of biohacking. This page, clockwise from top left: Zappos cofounder and biohacker Tony Hsieh became obsessed with figuring out what he could live without, even in terms of air and water. He died in a house fire in November; Peter Thiel purportedly practices biohacking; at the opening of Next Health in West Hollywood; the “Big Squeeze” is a medical-grade lymphatic drainage device that gently massages the lymphatic system to encourage detoxification.
IT SHOULD SURPRISE NOBODY THAT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS EMERGED AS THE BIOHACKING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. I T S H O U L D S U R P R I S E N O B O DY that Southern Califor-
nia has emerged as the biohacking capital of the world. Ever since its inception, the city has been a haven and a launching pad for some of America’s most famous—and far-out— alternative medicine and wellness practitioners, a parade of visionaries, misfits, and charlatans who came here eager to benefit from and capitalize on the wellness industry. Like Paul C. Bragg, who, soon after arriving in 1921, set up a health-food store on Seventh Street, just west of Figueroa, which he claimed was the first of its kind. He then started writing health columns for the Los Angeles Times in which he’d educate readers about the benefits of detoxification, dieting, and fasting. Bragg was later denounced by his critics as a quack, and there’s no evidence that he possessed any of the advanced scientific degrees that he claimed. But his name can still be found on the labels of a popular brand of apple cider vinegar which he introduced. “There was a whole class of people called health seekers— people with tuberculosis and respiratory diseases who were promised that if they moved to San Diego or Los Angeles or
Santa Barbara, they could be cured,” says David Sloane, a professor at USC’s Price School of Public Policy who specializes in L.A.’s history of wellness. Even back then—with the film industry in its incipient phase—L.A., with its promise of experimentation, attracted freethinking people. And the presence of Chinese, Japanese, Indigenous, and Mexican communities—all of which offered their own distinct medical philosophies—created a mélange of ideas and practices that were incorporated into exotic regimens. But it wouldn’t last long. In 1910, the East Coast establishment cracked down on renegade practitioners with the release of the Flexner Report. Commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation, the report established new requirements for medical schools across the country, and narrowed the parameters of what was officially recognized as medicine. On one level, this was a welcome advancement, making the medical field more professional and accountable. But it also penalized those not practicing standard westernized medicine, making it difficult for them to get the necessary credentials to legally practice at officially sanctioned hospitals and clinics. This stigmatized alternative approaches and pushed the group underground, which only opened the door further L A M AG . C O M 51
to charlatans and quacks. “If you’re going to have people seeking health, there are going to be people to sell them something,” says Sloane. “Some are going to be nice, and some aren’t. There were quacks everywhere in the United States back then. And there were a lot of quacks here in L.A.” Tracing the deeper origins of the biohacking movement turns up various combinations of epochs, cultures, and characters. Many point to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who introduced the concept of the Übermensch— the superman. The Italian futurist movement of the early twentieth century comes to mind on account of its near-erotic devotion to the fusion of man and technology. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is credited with inadvertently discovering Florida while searching for the fountain of youth. And the counterculture movement of the 1960s is also relevant, as it elevated the idea of self-actualization and celebrated hallucinogens as a pathway to enlightenment. (That LSD and psilocybin are now being used to optimize the performances of tech bros, athletes, and CEOs, must have Timothy Leary and Ken Kesey spinning in their graves.) But the Greek myth of Tithonus seems most apropos. When the goddess Eos fell in love with the mortal Tithonus, Zeus granted Tithonus immortality. It was only later that Eos realized her mistake: she should have asked for Tithonus’s eternal youth. Instead, Tithonus simply grew ever older until Zeus turned him into a cricket to end his suffering. It would be all too easy to dismiss biohacking as just the latest chapter in L.A.’s long and often fraught relationship
BIO BROS Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan (right) and Tesla founder Elon Musk (left) are only two of many white men who make up the majority of the biohacking community. Alpha Brain, a “brain supplement” by Onnit, is endorsed by Rogan.
hackers, he is somewhat unorthodox in how he applies it. He believes in the N-of-1 theory of biohacking, which holds that while most clinical trials use large control groups to determine the effectiveness of a treatment, that process isn’t actually necessary. Instead, N-of-1 reduces a clinical study’s control group to one person: you. Everything is bespoke, and if a biohack works for one person, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for anyone else. It makes sense, sort of, but it’s also a self-serving, circular logic that can provide cover for all sorts of bad advice. Like this: “We should be out there exposing our immune systems to as many stressors as possible,” Arjan says about our time in lockdown. “Instead, we’re being told to go live in a bubble, which causes our immune system to basically take a nap, making us totally susceptible.” For now, there is scant oversight of the biohacking industry from federal or state regulators, and that may be one of the movement’s biggest challenges. Though some biohacks are backed by varying levels of scientific evidence, many aren’t, and the vast majority of the products pushed by hackers on their podcasts don’t require FDA approval. The squishiness of the science has made for some awkward alliances, attracting not only experimental free spirits but also those living in an alternative universe. A recent article in The New Republic examined how various right-wing personalities—like Ben Shapiro, Mike Cernovich, and Alex Jones—have all taken to endorsing various brands of nootropics, which are intended to heighten focus and brainpower and are accepted parts of a biohacker’s routine. (Not to be outdone, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop has also waded into the nootropics space with a product called Nerd Alert, which promises a month of “bite-sized mental boosts” for $55 a bottle.) In the Venn diagram of our choose-your-own-reality times, there’s space in the middle for both holistically minded, biocharging health nuts and ultraconservative conspiracy theorists who believe Venezuela stole the 2020 election.
with wellness fads. It’s entirely possible that this movement is merely a dusted-off version of the countless health crazes that came before—like the Atkins Diet or Herbalife International—this time, with a high-tech twist designed for the iPhone and Erewhon era. Mitochondria-boosting light panels? Full-body-vibration plates? Does anybody really take this stuff seriously? Biohackers do. They see themselves as part of a genuine movement that prides itself on empirical research and honors the scientific method. “I like to be evidence-based but not evidence-bound” is how Max Lugavere describes his own rather nuanced relationship with science. The former Current TV anchor and author of The Genius Life—who also hosts a podcast by the same name—is a self-taught biohacker who often cites peer-reviewed studies in his books and interviews but isn’t married to them. “The data and science are all very important,” he says, “but I also recognize that science is not infallible, and that it’s a continual process.” Elias Arjan, executive director of the L.A. Biohackers Collective, also takes science seriously, although, like many bio5 2 L A M AG . C O M
INSTAGRAM.COM/JOEROGAN; INSTAGRAM.COM/ELONMUSK; OPPOSITE: ELISABETH CAREN
“AT WHAT POINT ARE YOU A BIOHACKER OR JUST SOMEONE WHO HAS AN EATING DISORDER?”
And then there are the handful of practitioners who take biohacking way too far, giving the movement a bad name. After Zappos cofounder Tony Hsieh died last fall from injuries sustained in a fire, reports revealed that he was a biohacker. A Wall Street Journal article chronicled the final months of his unraveling and revealed some troubling practices. According to the Journal, Hsieh “became fixated on trying to figure out what his body could live without.” He tried not to urinate, deprived himself of oxygen, and starved himself. All of this has people like Lugavere concerned. “There’s lots of extreme and unvetted practices in the movement, and ultimately I think there’s a lot of bullshit and profiteering going on,” he said. “If you have limited funds and are actually sick, you might fall victim to one of these alternative treatments and not get the care that you need from something that’s more science-backed.” Arjan concurs. “At what point are you a biohacker or just someone who has an eating disorder?” he asks. “At what point are you just someone with OCD?” Also, at what point are you a mark? Biohacking, it turns out, is an incredibly costly hobby. At Next Health, a single IV drip treatment with 750 milligrams of NAD costs $1,500. Two minutes in its cryotherapy chamber costs $45. Upgrade Labs is just as pricey: a membership there starts at $300 a month. Building your own biohacking home gym is also exorbitant. A red-light wall panel can run up to $7,000. The cost of supplements can easily climb into the low four figures—monthly. Iodine, NAC, taurine, niacin, CoQ10, magnesium, and probiotics—it’s an endless rabbit hole. Still, according to Santa Monicabased biohacker Aaron Alexander, it doesn’t have to be that way. In between whipping up a smoothie (celery, apples, bee pollen, collagen, sea salt, and unsweetened almond milk), taking a ten-minute cold plunge, and holding a series of sitting positions and yoga poses, the 34-year-old fielded questions about his practice known as the Align Method, which considers technology part of the problem, thus making Alexander somewhat of a heretic. “Structurally, our body starts to form our hormones, our neurochemistry, and our perception,” Alexander says. “If you outsource all of your thought to the memory of your phone, if you outsource your movement to the
automatic garage-door opener—each of those movements are things that you would have naturally done and have done for millions of years. It’s the foundation of what your cells ride on.” He adds that it’s entirely possible to biohack your way to health without spending a fortune on high-tech gadgets. “You’ve got Dave Asprey saying, ‘Buy my shit,’ and this other person saying, ‘Buy my shit,’ and we have this echo chamber telling us you need to buy this shit in order to be healthy,” he says. “How do you know this? Because all your experts are saying that. But all your experts are being paid and working together. In general, most of the things being sold are fine. But they’re doing their best to replicate what nature has done since you were a single-cell organism.” Dan Chavira is a Stanford-trained emergency-room physician who works out of one of UCLA’s hospitals. He’s taught courses on ethics, runs Paidea Health—a body-mind practice—and considers himself an amateur biohacker. He straddles the worlds of traditional and alternative medicine and sees strengths and weaknesses in both. He views the current trend of biohacking as a sign of late-stage capitalism. “The
THE CRIMSON KING Aaron Alexander striking a pose in an infrared LED bed. Light therapy is thought by some to repair damaged tissue and enchance mood. L A M AG . C O M 53
last 40 years have created a system of extreme wealth for a tiny portion of people, and that leads to distrust in the system,” he says. “You have this tiny portion of extremely wealthy people who are looking at their lives and thinking, ‘I’m clearly privileged, and there’s no better way to spend my money than on my health and capacity to live longer.’ So they’re pouring tons of money into this field. And it’s all very Nietzschean, this idea of ‘How do I optimize who I am?’” He adds, “People have gotten more and more drawn to this idea that ‘I’m going to take care of me and everyone else is irrelevant,’ even though we know that when we take care of other people, we live longer.”
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“BIOHACKERS ARE MAKING HUMANS HARDER TO KILL.” the decentralized hacktivist group whose members sport Guy Fawkes’ masks at protests. “Anonymous is a loose collective of people, and you can’t take over Anonymous because someone else will put on the mask. And that’s the same with biohacking—you can’t take over biohacking.” Biohacking is largely a male domain. Female biohackers make up a tiny fraction of the community, and all of the major thought leaders are white men. An undercurrent pulses through some of the darker corners of biohacking chat rooms— a mix of dogma, obsession, slight paranoia, and arrogance. At biohacking’s core are seemingly benign notions of wellness, self-reliance, and experimentation, but in this era of QAnon and incels and Proud Boys, biohacking risks drifting into a much more toxic direction, especially when its dogma intersects with an agenda that is inherently suspicious of anything to do with establishment thinking or practices. Say, for instance, vaccinations. “Look at the vaccine industry—it’s unequivocally the most diabolical niche within the pharmaceutical industry,” says Storey, who has been criticized in the past for spreading con-
OSTEOSTRONG: DIANA FEIL PHOTOGRAPHY; OPPOSITE: ELISABETH CAREN
DAVE ASPREY, THE COFFEE mogul and biohack pioneer, is on a Zoom call from British Columbia, where he’s been hunkered down during the pandemic. He’s deconstructing what he calls “shadow-banning,” the alleged social media practice of silencing biohackers who publish information that challenges the status quo set by Big Pharma. “Google destroys your search results so no one can find your blog anymore!” he says. “Your posts will get the big warning on them from Instagram, even if the post is true. But what they actually do is send less people to it so you slowly get silenced. I’ve interviewed the pioneers, the top people in the world— they’ve spoken at conferences about how ozone therapy has cured Ebola. Ozone therapy works very well for coronavirus. If I get COVID, I’d be doing ozone therapy on day one. So why is it that I’m not allowed to talk about that?” Probably for the same reason Twitter slaps a “disputed” tag on so many of President Trump’s tweets—because it’s not true. There is no credible scientific evidence that ozone has cured Ebola or does anything to help with COVID. In any event, it would be hard to overstate the outsized role Asprey has played in the biohacking movement. He wrote the playbook on how to turn it into a profession and has since been mimicked by scores of others. He now oversees a sprawling empire that includes not just his coffee shops and restaurants but also biohacking gyms and dozens of products that can be found in thousands of retail stores throughout the country. Clawing his way to the top of the biohacking world hasn’t been easy. As it turns out, the biohacking business is a jungle. Despite all the New Age trimmings and techno-Zen babble, there are hidden feuds and bitter rivalries just beneath the surface. Asprey, for instance, has long been engaged in something of a cold war with bro-whisperer extraordinaire Joe Rogan. Indeed, the famed podcaster and former mixedmartial-arts announcer—who started pitching his own biohacking drinks and other products around 2014—even concocted a scheme to hurt Asprey’s Bulletproof Coffee business by investing in a direct competitor, Caveman Coffee. Asprey rolls his eyes when Rogan’s name comes up, mocking him for, among other things, promoting kale smoothies on his podcast. (Many people know, thanks to research unearthed by Asprey six years ago, that kale is full of oxalic acid, which causes kidney stones and joint pain.) “There are some people who’ll say, ‘I’m going to try to take over the movement,’ but it’s like taking over Anonymous,” Asprey says, referring to
CHILLIN’ Opposite page: At OsteoStrong in Culver City, a coach helps a client with a device used to strengthen bones. This page: Some biohackers believe that extreme cold therapy, like that found in this whole body non-nitrogen cryotherapy chamber, can reduce inflammation.
spiracy-laced information on his podcasts, a number of which have been removed from YouTube. “I would be supportive of anyone who voluntarily chooses to inject themselves. But when it comes to me taking the vaccine, I would literally die before I would let that into my body.” Sadly, that could actually end up being the case. But in this post-truth world, there’s a flexibility about what actually constitutes a fact. And inherent to biohacking is an abiding distrust of traditional health-care practices. At its fundamental core is the belief that America’s health-care system has been irredeemably corrupted by Big Pharma and other special interests. As a result, many of the movement’s gurus argue that the health-care system has failed the majority of Americans, leaving most of us in dire health or at the very least woefully uninformed. And they aren’t entirely wrong. Studies now regularly show the U.S. health-care system as being one of the worst in the industrialized world, even though the U.S. spends vastly more on health care than most other countries. But we’re at a dangerous inflection point right now, and
the arrival of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is pushing the biohacking and alternative-medicine communities to a crossroads. The campaigns to undermine and discredit the largest vaccination program in human history are well underway even though large clinical trials have shown the vaccines to be safe and effective. It’s generally believed that a minimum of 60 percent of the U.S. population would need to be vaccinated to bring about herd immunity and end the crisis, although those numbers have recently been boosted to as high as 85 percent by the well-respected director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci. And yet, shockingly—though not surprisingly—not a single one of the professional biohackers interviewed for this story say they plan to take the vaccine. Despite all of that, though, biohacking still has a near-irresistible appeal that somehow transcends reason and logic, especially now, in the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic. For all its scientific fuzziness, its testosteronedriven in-fighting, its Trumpy conspiracy theories and dangerous ignoring of critical public health warnings, a lot of otherwise sensible people are finding themselves drawn inexorably toward biohacking’s supercharged light and the promise of all the wonderful things it can do to your circadian rhythms. “COVID has made people concerned about their mortality, and the data is very clear that if you’re only kind of healthy your chances of dying are way higher,” says Asprey. “And biohackers have been around making humans more resilient, giving them more energy and more power, and making them harder to kill.” It’s the oldest siren song in the book—immortality! Eternal youth! And it’s hard for even the most skeptical mortal to resist. I should admit that over the course of researching and reporting this article, I have adopted a number of biohacks in my own life. I’m a 44-year-old, college-educated, white male who now wears an Oura Ring and Garmin watch to track my sleep and exercise. My diet has drastically improved, I fast regularly, and the medicine cabinet is now bursting with supplements that, just a year ago, I’d never heard of. An infrared sauna sits in my closet and, much to the horror of my wife, I regularly browse Craigslist, hunting for an affordable hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Some of these changes might actually have been good for my health, some of them only good for my soul. None of them have been great on my wallet. So far, though, I have not yet pumped ozone into my body through my anus. L A M AG . C O M 55
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I DIDN’T HAVE A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH A LOT OF MALE COANCHORS, BECAUSE THEY SUFFER FROM SOMETHING CALLED BIGSHOT-ITIS, AND IT’S SORT OF DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR AND SORT OF NARCISSISTIC BEHAVIOR AND AN INABILITY TO STOP TALKING.” CO N N I E C H U N G CO M E S C L E A N I N T E RV I E W BY A N D R E W G O L D M A N I L L U S T R AT I O N BY R O B E RT R I S KO
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I T M AY H AV E B E E N the worst year in
A few years ago, Matthew McConaughey had a kind of McConaissance. I think we’re memory, but there was one bright spot at the tail end of now in the midst of your Connie-aissance. 2020: Connie Chung’s long overdue—and very outspoYou disappeared for years, and then all of a ken—return to public life. In this exclusive interview for sudden you’re inescapable. The Originals podcast, which spawned international Yes, it’s true. I’ve been underground for a headlines upon its December release, the 74-year-old long, long time. So I took a peek out of my network-news legend dumps out a Gatorade cooler full bunker, and then I jumped out and I did of tea about her former news colleagues Dan Rather, Bryall sorts of things that emerged, coincidentally, at the same time. But I’m returning to ant Gumbel, Barbara Walters, and Diane Sawyer, not to the bunker right after I talk to you. mention “insufferable” interviewee Donald Trump, her grumpy British scene partner in The Undoing, and her What first brought you back to the public onetime Late Night flirt-mate, David Letterman. eye recently was the re-airing of a famous Chung grew up in Washington DC, the youngest of five 1990 interview you did with Donald Trump sisters and the only one not born in China. Her sisters, for CBS. Looking back, it should have been tasked with naming her, resolved to choose her name by a template for the reporters who followed you. You owned the guy, challenged him flipping open a movie magazine—Chung may provide Bon all the absurd things he was saying, like musical actress Constance Moore’s best hope for immor“I don’t like publicity.” And then he says, tality. Though white, male reporters like R. W. “Johnny” “I’m the biggest developer in New York,” Apple and Hunter S. Thompson earned the lion’s share of and you pointed out, “You’ve got two buildcoverage in Timothy Crouse’s book The Boys on the Bus, ings.” Everybody who lived in New York which chronicled the doings of the press corps covering at the time knew that he was a laughable, the 1972 election, Chung was on the buses and planes, ridiculous person. And you called him on his bullshit. What do you remember about that too, a young CBS News correspondent assigned to George encounter? McGovern’s campaign and the only Chinese face seen on When the executive producer of that particular proany network news show. Her exclusion from the book gram told me that we were doing an interview with may have been due the fact that, unlike her print brethTrump, I said, “I don’t see why. He’s insufferable, and I ren, she went to bed by midnight and didn’t join in the don’t see the purpose.” But I was the anchor and only late-night poker and drinking—a prim career start for correspondent on the program, and I had to fill an hour a woman who is now the namesake of a potent indica every week. So I reluctantly did it. And he sat down, and he began to carry on the way he did. And I just marijuana strain. couldn’t stomach it. I interviewed politicians in the Chung became a full-fledged star in the ’80s on NBC, ’70s for five years, covering Capitol Hill and the White so much so that to celebrate its second anniversary, House and Pentagon. I was accustomed to this bloviLate Night created bomber jackets and a T-shirt bearing ating behavior and knew how to combat it. So I just a rendering of Chung depicted as a World War II pinup went back to my old experience and said exactly what I in a leopard-skin bathing suit. But she’d already been was thinking at the time, which was, “Are you kidding a star in Los Angeles. In 1976, KNXT, now KCBS, lured me?” He wasn’t very happy about it. So much so that my husband and I would see him at these celebrity golf her west to anchor its news, a three-broadcast-a-day gig tournaments—at the pre-cocktail parties—and he would that, for a period, paired her with her future husband, say hello to my husband, Maury, but would completely Maury Povich. Povich was fired and set off for San Franignore me as if I wasn’t even there, I was cisco, but Chung stayed in town for seven invisible. It was quite shocking that I years, tooling around in a convertible suddenly became invisible. He was very LISTEN UP! Jensen-Healy, living among the working childish. Adapted from Andrew girls in an apartment on Sunset near the Goldman’s The Originals, a podcast from Los He went on Joan Rivers’s show afterwards Roxy, a period she remembers fondly Angeles magazine and said you were nasty, called you a lightfor the near-nightly helicopter salutes of featuring conversations weight. He said that you sent him roses and with iconic Angelenos “Come out with your hands up!” Here, that he cut off the heads and sent the stems like Joan Collins and Joe Chung opens the book on her career and Eszterhas. Available on back to you. life—including the tale of a certain A-list Apple Podcasts and I don’t remember that. I do remember I other listening apps. movie star who won her heart and shared sent him roses because we wanted to do a follow-up. Right after I did the interview— her bed in those footloose L.A. days.
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SISTER ACT
Chung (left) says of her time at ABC News with Barbara Walters (right) and Diane Sawyer, “When I went to ABC, I joined with both Barbara and Diane and I thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be great. It’ll be three women who get along.’ I was just so stupid.”
like the very next day—Trump announced his divorce from Ivana. But during our interview, he told me that Ivana was his best friend.
PHOTO BY THEO WARGO/WIREIMAGE
Oh, that’s right. You asked him, “Donald, who’s your best friend?” That was the moment I thought you really got Trump in a way that none of the press in 2016 did. Because he had so much trouble with that question. You could tell he was a man without a friend in the world, that he didn’t understand friendship. Do you remember that? Yes, I do. You’re so right. You know how sometimes you can tell when people are not telling the truth? And also television doesn’t lie. The charm of television is that you can look at the person’s face and you can pass judgment. When Henry Kissinger said, “Peace is at hand,” I think everyone looked at him and went, “Really? Is the end of the Vietnam War really close at hand?” It was not. When you were watching Trump’s rise in 2016, were you thinking that the media just didn’t handle this guy right? That there should’ve been more Connie Chung in the response to him? I hate to tell you, but I would scream at the television. You’re not supposed to talk to a square box, but I was really into yelling at the television, “Ask him this! Ask him that!” But I can’t blame reporters wholesale because I think there were a lot of reporters who did question him unmercifully. And what they were doing was, they weren’t taking him seriously. But, unfortunately, they allowed him the time on television and the space to bloviate.
And then you were back again with a cameo on The Undoing, interviewing Hugh Grant. You were great in it, but it was very odd. They didn’t show your face in close-up. Everytime you spoke, they cut away to reaction shots of people watching you and Hugh Grant on TV. What happened? Damned if I know! What it amounted to was going on the set and asking Hugh Grant questions in the presence of his lawyer. The questions were written by David E. Kelley and his writing partner, Matthew Tinker, who happens to be the grandson of Grant Tinker. So I asked them, “Can I kind of change the words a little bit so that it’ll sound more like questions I would ask?” Yeah. That’s not too ballsy or anything! [Laughs] Not ballsy at all! And here’s the crazy thing. Matthew Tinker got back to me after I rewrote the questions, and he said, “David’s fine with it.” I was blown away. I’m rewriting David E. Kelley, you know? So I show up at the shoot and Susanne Bier, the Danish director, says, “What happened to the other script?” And I said, “David E. Kelley let me rewrite it.” So I think either I look so old and so dreadful that she decided to save me from myself, or, more likely, I just annoyed her. Because when Hugh Grant sat down, he was looking all rumpled. His tie was askew, and I’m very OCD. So I said, “Hugh, straighten up your tie.” And he fixes it. And then one collar was outside of his suit. And I went, “Hugh, fix that.” You told him this as well? Yes. And he goes, “Now what?” And the director gives L A M AG . C O M 59
“THERE’S ALWAYS A CRAZY PERSON SITTING ON ONE OF MY SHOULDERS, AND A GOOD, SOLID CITIZEN ON THE OTHER.” You’ve been in the news business since the ’70s, but I’m sure many people know you best from your appearances on Late Night with David Letterman in the ’80s. You were one of his favorite guests. What you had going with David Letterman was very hot. You cannot invent that kind of chemistry. I agree. I mean, I had this thing for him and he had a thing for me, and I really think it was inexplicable in that respect. And yet I really didn’t have a thing for him. Do you know what I mean? No. Explain. Well, I love people who have a sense of humor and who are charming. And he was like that when he was on the air. Off the air, he’s dark. He is a kvetch—a goyishe kvetch. But was he with you? Because, I felt like he had a real thing for you. And he was so jealous of Maury that he’d only call him “Murray.” That’s exactly true. And I would say, “Do you want to go out for pizza sometime?” And he’d say, “Maybe,” and I’d say, “I’ll bring Maury.” And he’d say, “No.” Was this on camera or off? Let me think. The pizza part may have been on camera, but I think off camera I said, “Why don’t we get
together?” And basically his answer was, “Only if Maury isn’t coming.”
Yeah. Like Warren Beatty-level? I am not talking!
On Letterman, you would often make suggestive remarks about Maury’s size 12 shoes. You seemed to believe that there is a . . . uh . . . A correlation.
Do you think anything could have happened had you pursued something with Letterman? No! No, because I can’t embrace dark people.
Yes. So is there a correlation? Let me think back to when I was dating. You know, actually, I don’t. Because I’ve seen the phenomenon in reverse.
All I recall was him coming alive when you were around. When did you see that he was dark? When I asked him to not do any more jokes about my having a baby. Back in the ’90s, late in my career, my husband and I decided . . . actually, it was my husband who said, “You’re going to be 40 in 30 seconds, and if we don’t do something about that now . . .” But it wasn’t so easy.
So small feet, large member? Or vice versa. You and Maury met when you were both anchoring at KNXT in Los Angeles, and ended up dating after he got fired. There was a period where you stayed in L.A. and dated other people while he was working in San Francisco and Philadelphia. He’s referenced the movie stars you dated. Who were they? Here’s where you’ve really got to wait for my book.
You and Maury trying to have a baby was big news at the time. You turned up in a lot of late-night monologues, right? Yeah. It was a big, fun topic for everyone. And it went on one year, two years. But after a while,
Really? OK. When I read it, is it going to be satisfying or is it going to be like third lead in some terrible made-for-TV movie? Is it a big one? Yeah. It’s a big one? Well, you mean . . . [Laughs] No! The star. Is it a big star?
T H E BA DA S S N E W S
Clockwise from top left: 1. Chung working as a copyperson at WTTG in Washington DC, 1969. 2. A frequent guest on Late Night, Chung found David Letterman charming on camera and dark off. 3. Chung with ABC News correspondents Walters and Sawyer in 1998. 4. With her husband, Maury Povich (right), and CBS News coanchor Dan Rather. It’s rumored that Rather planted negative stories about Chung in the press. 5. Chung with Donald Trump, who, displeased with an interview they did in 1990, cut the heads off of roses she sent him and mailed her the stems. 6. With Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. in 1984. 6 0 L A M AG . C O M
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1. AND 6. COURTESY CONNIE CHUNG; 2. NBCU PHOTO BANK/NBCUNIVERSAL VIA GETTY IMAGES; 3. © JOHN BARRETT/GLOBE PHOTOS/ZUMAPRESS.COM; 4. AND 6. © GLOBE PHOTOS/ZUMAPRESS.COM; 5. YOUTUBE
me an evil eye as if, “What the hell do you think you’re doing? I’m the director.”
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When you were hired at CBS in 1989, you were a huge star at NBC, and CBS reportedly signed you for $2 million a year. Even after you took the job at CBS, you still went on Late Night. One of the things that Dave kept saying was, “How soon can we look for Dan Rather to start sweating?” You were going over to another network and you were bringing off-the-charts Q ratings and Dan Rather was known for having some of the lowest Q ratings in TV news. Did CBS executives ever tell you that anchoring the CBS Evening News could be in your future? In ’90, at that time, no. But in ’92, I signed a new three-year contract, and in it I made them guarantee that if the nightly news went to a coanchor format, I’d be the one. You ended up becoming Dan Rather’s coanchor in 1993. Barbara Walters had coanchored with Harry Reasoner and it was considered a huge disaster. Partnerships in show business and news don’t often work out. Laurel and Hardy. Matt Lauer and Ann Curry. Rather had been doing the news solo for ten years. You had to expect that he’d be a little pissed off, right? In retrospect. But for being such a wizened old newsperson, even today, there’s this incredible naivete about me. At the time, I thought, “Oh, this is great. This is going to work out just fine.” 6 2 L A M AG . C O M
It didn’t. Was your relationship with Rather chilly from the get-go? In person, Rather is a Texas-friendly kind of guy. He’s very Texas-gentlemanly, and everything is always just fine, [drawling] “How are you?” and “You’re looking very good today.” There was a lot of that going on. For all that folksiness, he’s been described as somebody with very sharp elbows. If I turned my back, I felt like I might end up in a scene in Psycho. In the shower. There was talk at the time that Rather had been planting negative stories about you in the media.
T E A M O F R I VA L S
Chung and Rather on the set of the CBS Evening News in 1993. She was fired in 1995.
Apparently so, but I’m not sure. [Former CBS News reporter] Bernard Goldberg said that he was once next to Dan Rather and heard him spreading inaccurate information regarding me to a radio station. So I don’t know if that’s true. In 1995, CBS fired you from the CBS Evening News. Did that feel like a career ender to you? Yes. I was the first woman to coanchor the CBS Evening News. It was a big deal for me, my dream job. I always wanted to be Walter Cronkite, and I was able to sit in half of Uncle Walter’s chair. But I was never the kind of person who would sit there
and “woe is me” and cry, cry, cry. I would get angry. And then there was this whole Chinese thing of losing face, which is not cool. I don’t know how else to describe it, but it’s a little more than just embarrassing. Afterward, there was a kind of a war between you and CBS in the media. And one of the knocks that CBS sources said about you was that you were too tabloid because you were going after the Tonya Harding and O. J. Simpson stories. When the O. J. Simpson story came up, they told me, “You must go.” I think Dan Rather was going to Haiti for an interview with [Haiti’s then de facto leader] Cédras. And I wanted to go to Haiti to do another interview. I thought it would be a great one-two punch that we were both doing interviews. But they insisted that I do O. J. instead. I really do regret doing so many tabloid stories under duress, frankly. And at this point, did you say to them, “Not my job. I am the host of the CBS Evening News! Get the fuck out of my office!” It’s probably the biggest thing I regret, that I didn’t say exactly what you just said. Here’s the remarkable thing: Maury and I had been going through this long journey of trying to have a baby, but about two years earlier, we’d started the process of trying to adopt a baby. So here I was, I had lost my dream job on a Friday night, and the very next morning we got a call from our adoption lawyer who said, “I have a baby for you.” And it was our son. It was serendipity. Isn’t that remarkable? But were you still able to really experience all of your feelings of hate and desire for revenge while you had all this love concentrated on this little baby? Oh, I probably still hold a deep grudge. When you were at CBS, your husband’s show Maury was ascendant. Do you feel that his tabloid TV career had a negative effect on you?
©CBS/COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
everybody else abandoned the jokes. So when it went into three years or four years and Dave was still doing jokes about it, I went to his office. And another time I wrote him a nice note saying, “Can you please stop with the jokes?” And he wouldn’t do it. He just continued with the jokes. And the difference was very clear to me when Jay Leno called me. Leno said, “I was thinking of doing a joke about your wanting to have a baby. Would that be OK?” And I paused, and then I said, “Yeah, sure, go ahead. No problem.” And he said, “I heard your pause. I won’t do it.” I thought, “What a mensch.”
I don’t think so. He always said that he was Mr. Chung, and he was always boosting me. I can tell you that, honestly, I would not have survived my career ups and downs had it not been for him. I would come home and he would interpret some of the things that a boss would do to me that he thought was typical male mind-effing. He’d go, “Connie, he is mind-effing you.” And I said, “Really?” I had this incredible ability to be naive. You talk a lot about competing for the so-called “gets” like Tonya Harding. Why do we always associate gets with women—Barbara Walters and the Diane Sawyer? Why is this considered a female arena? It’s pretty simple: The men refuse to grovel. “We’re too good. We’re above
it’s sort of delusions of grandeur and sort of narcissistic behavior and an inability to stop talking. You often subbed on Today for Jane Pauley alongside Bryant Gumbel. Did he suffer from bigshot-itis too? I would say so. I’d be sitting beside him, but I was invisible. And we would see him at those same celebrity golf tournaments. And oftentimes I was invisible to him as well. But, you know, in recent years, he’s become a different guy. What happened? He married a wonderful woman, [Hilary Quinlan]. She said, “Whatever it is between the two of you, we’re not doing that anymore.” After you left CBS, you adopted
Well, it’s not unlike what Tonya Harding did to Nancy Kerrigan. What happened? There was always this intense competition to get the hot story du jour, whatever it was. Whoever was in the news was inundated with requests to do interviews. When I was at NBC, I would do it for NBC. And when I was at CBS, I would do it for CBS. But when I got to ABC, both Diane and Barbara were in the same sort of arena—trying to land these huge interviews. But when I tried to go after them, I was told I could not, that Barbara and Diane were the only ones who could compete for the interview and I had to stand down. Barbara and Diane would bounce back and forth as to who would get the interviews, and I
“IF I TURNED MY BACK ON DAN RATHER, I FELT LIKE I MIGHT END UP IN A SCENE IN PSYCHO. IN THE SHOWER.” groveling. My name is Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, and Peter Jennings. And Mike Wallace and Morley Safer. And we don’t grovel, we don’t beg people for interviews. We don’t try to endear ourselves to them. And we don’t go after the flimflam out there who have just happened to have made some news.” OK, so you left CBS, but Dan Rather never got out of third place. And then, in 2005, he was frog-marched out of CBS headquarters himself. Did you go out and fire a rifle in the air in celebration? Schadenfreude would put it in a nutshell. I didn’t have a very good experience with a lot of male coanchors because they suffer from something called bigshot-itis, and
a son, Matthew, and stayed home with him for two years. Then Roone Arledge called and asked you to join ABC News, which was dominated by Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer. What was it like having to compete with those two women? I was naive again. When I went to ABC, I joined with both Barbara and Diane and I thought, “Oh, this is going to be great. It’ll be three women who get along.” I was just so stupid. I was always playing a game of whacka-mole. I popped my head up, and one of them would have a hammer and go whack and put me down back in my little hole. What does it feel like to be kneecapped by Barbara Walters or Diane Sawyer?
was always out of the ballgame. For six months in 2006, you and your husband had a show called Weekends with Maury and Connie. The premise was that you two were playing against type. He was showing that he was smarter than his show; and you, that you were more fun. His show is very successful but not high-toned. Does he have any kind of insecurity or chip on his shoulder about that? He’s extremely well-read. He’s a history buff, a political buff, and he knows so much. And he is extremely thoughtful. He’s actually erudite. I’ve said to him a million times, “You could do an intellectual interview program and run circles around some of the dodos out (CONTINUED ON PAGE 131) L A M AG . C O M 63
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1 9 6 0 S, IN T H E L ATRENED THE
MO OSTIN TU ISE ARNER/REPR FALTERING W L INTO THE RECORD LABE WERHOUSE OF PO G ROCK, SIGNIN ING D CULTURE-BEN M ARTISTS FRO O T JIMI HENDRIX AC. M FLEET WOOD HIS SECRET? TO STOP TRYING ORDS MAKE HIT REC
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LEADER OF THE PACK
Ostin (center) during his sharkskin-suited days as president of Warner/ Reprise Records in the early ’60s, with Rat Packers Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra. “I needed a job—I could have been an insurance salesman,” Ostin said later.
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etween 1965 and 1970, Los Angeles-born Warner/Reprise Records added no fewer than 90 new acts, including the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Jethro Tull, Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, and Gordon Lightfoot, transforming what had been one of the least hip labels in the business into an avatar of cool.
And it wouldn’t just be a flash in the pan. Warner/Reprise would go on to add such stars as Prince, Madonna, U2 and many others. In its heyday, from the ‘60s through the early ‘90s, Warner Bros. Records was simply the most successful record company ever, both creatively and commercially. That success was a far cry from the record division Jack Warner started in 1958 to capture lost soundtrack profits. In 1963, he merged it with Frank Sinatra’s struggling Reprise label as part of a deal to get the singer to make movies for the studio. Reprise president Mo Ostin had stumbled into the record business after UCLA, when he took a job at the jazz label Verve. He needed to support a wife and baby. (“I was looking for a job. I could have been an insurance agent,” he recalled.) The one thing that both Warner and Reprise shared was a “no rock ’n’ roll” edict. But within a couple of years, Ostin and a team that included executives Joe Smith, Lenny Waronker, and marketing genius Stan Cornyn changed this with spectacular results. Warner/Reprise developed a knack for spotting new talent, an artist-friendly reputation that prioritized music over profits, and a portfolio of eye-catching, break-all-the-rules advertising. As Peter Ames Carlin details in this excerpt from Sonic Boom, his new history of the label, the roots of Warner Bros. Records’s great run can be traced to an afternoon in 1967 when Ostin gave the company’s troops the most unexpected direction ever uttered by a top executive at a corporate record label: “Let’s stop trying to make hit records.” 6 6 L A M AG . C O M
In 1965, Mo Ostin walked into a Sinatra recording session and handed the grouchiest rock ’n’ roll hater in showbiz the sheet music for the Beatles’ “Yesterday.” Once he saw the writers, Sinatra wouldn’t look any further and tossed the pages to the floor. Ostin let it go, but he still knew that the hands of the clock would never spin back to jazzier times, so he worked hard to develop his expertise in the new rock ’n’ roll. He pored over all the music trades and dialed friends around the industry to discuss what he was seeing. Why were the Beatles so popular? How had their success changed the other acts in the Top 40? After a while, Ostin could hear the difference between the same old thing and the new thing that could cut through the noise and maybe even stick around for a while. At the end of the summer of 1966, Ostin was fixing on an up-and-coming rock trio he had discovered in the British music newspapers. The leader was Jimi Hendrix, a young Black man from America whose Afro erupted from his skull with a force that had electrified the hair of his two fairskinned bandmates until the three of them resembled dandelions in full puff. He received a copy of Hendrix’s sole release, a cover of the popular modern blues song “Hey Joe,” that only seemed to hint at the psychedelic marvels he’d been reading about. But reports of the Hendrix trio’s concerts, which attracted members of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and other top British musicians, were even more enticing: if the most popular musicians in England were that entranced by him, Hendrix had to have something extraordinary going on. A problem emerged for Ostin, though. Atlantic Records had dibs on the American rights to Polydor releases
COURTESY WARNER BROS. RECORDS
granite. Most of the distributors took minimal shipments of the album; one ordered the bare minimum of eight. Then the record store reorders started coming in. As the kids in the Ostins’ living room had promised, Hendrix’s audience was out there. By the end of the year, Are You Experienced was on its way to selling three million copies. Whatever opposition to the youths’ music that remained in the first half of 1967 had now officially expired. Ostin went to his staff with his new vision. It was the most surprising request they’d ever heard from a top-rank record company executive: stop with the surefire singles and look for the artists who are going to make the best, most distinctive records. “I was into making quality records because if you do something good, good things follow,” Ostin recalls now. “If we made good records by great artists, they didn’t YESTERDAY’S have to be commercial. Something good was always going GONE to happen because you’d just made a great record.” A goateed Ostin celebrates The more Ostin and the Warner/Reprise staff dove into with Fleetwood Mac in 1977 after the triumphant rock ’n’ roll, the more they shed their unhip reputation as release of the megahit holdovers from the ’50s silent generation and embraced Rumours, which would the swinging ’60s. To push through the glass doors of the sell 10 million copies in its first year. Ostin signed the Warner building in Burbank during the workday was like band to Warner/Reprise strolling into a purposeful commune. Most office doors in 1969 and kept it on the label despite a string of stood open, a necessity given the building’s indifferent vencommerical flops. tilation system, but it also encouraged impromptu visits and hang-out sessions that often turned into serious discussions of record culture and promotional strategy, ideas (Polydor distributed Track Records, Hendrix’s U.K. label), flowing from every direction. so no deal could be made unless Atlantic passed. HenThey knew it was all a business, this making and selling drix’s record and a reel of new songs went out to Atlantic’s of commercial products, but it felt like so much more than chief A&R man, Jerry Wexler. “Lowerthat. By putting out records by the Dead, case B. B. King” was his judgment. OsHendrix, Zappa and all the other freaky tin pounced immediately. He offered acts, they were at the forefront of the a $50,000 contract for three albums, revolution, sending bulletins to young a pretty rich deal for an untested artpeople across the nation. That was the ist. Ostin had faith, even when his felWHEN ATLANTIC vibe, anyway, and in those days, it was as low executives had severe doubts. When RECORDS irresistible as it was intoxicating. EveryOstin played Hendrix’s first album at a DEEMED JIMI one pulled in the same direction, from budget meeting, Reprise’s chief finanHENDRIX’S the mailroom clerks to the artists. So cial officer, Murray Gitlin, recalled the SONGS when word came that someone was in a general response was something like: “LOWERCASE pinch—needing enough hands, say, to get “What the hell?” B. B. KING,” 1,000 mailers into the post by 4 p.m.— But when Ostin brought the music OSTIN POUNCED you’d find staffers, executives, and even a home to his boys and the mob of high AND OFFERED musician or two rolling up their sleeves school friends who passed their afterA $50,000 and stuffing envelopes. It was a business, noons at the Ostin swimming pool in a revolution, and also a family. CONTRACT FOR Encino, he called them into the living Even given the traditional corporate THREE ALBUMS, room and dropped the needle on the structure—presidents and vice presiEVEN THOUGH Hendrix acetate. Did they like it? Yes! Did dents managing department heads and HIS FELLOW they think their friends would like it? Yes! lower-level staffers—the atmosphere at EXECUTIVES HAD Then a clamor: Can we hear it again? 3701 Warner Boulevard felt open and DOUBTS. BY THE Only none of Hendrix’s fan base egalitarian. Some staffers, including diEND OF 1967, THE worked in the pop music industry. vision chiefs, worked from desks staJIMI HENDRIX When Ostin brought the new album to tioned in the hallway. Ostin and Smith’s EXPERIENCE’S the Warner/Reprise sales force and they presidential offices were just a touch DEBUT WAS got a load of “Manic Depression” and larger than the ones occupied by entryON ITS WAY TO “Third Stone from the Sun,” their eyes level staffers. You didn’t need an apSELLING THREE didn’t glaze over so much as turn to pointment to get the attention of one MILLION COPIES. L A M AG . C O M 67
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fully bearded, two others had bushy mustaches, and all save one sported hair that either touched their shoulders or was piled high atop their heads. Love beads, rope bracelets, and ankhs tangled and jangled; incense thickened the air in offices and conference rooms; while the parking lot collected at least as many smoked-down joints as it did Marlboro and Pall Mall butts. Cornyn, the label’s marketing director, was always eager to check the groovier stops on the hippie underground. So he’d tag along with the younger staffers on their lunchtime trips to Headquarters, a head shop near the UCLA campus in Westwood. Cornyn made a habit of buying the underground newspapers and magazines to sink as deeply into the vibe of the moment as he could from the safety of his Burbank office. Meetings with artists played out like lightly purposeful hang-out sessions. A smattering of budgets, release schedules, tour dates—and then on to what really mattered: the latest records, the new issue of Rolling Stone, Eastern philosophy, what Copernicus learned about the universe by
BILLBOARD: PHOTO BY GINNY WINN/MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES/GETTY IMAGES. ZAPPA: JEFFREY MAYER/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES
of the label’s presidents. If that kid from the mailroom felt strongly about an act or a record, the top executives took his feelings seriously, as they knew their company’s core audience had a lot more in common with Warner’s junior staffers than they did with its chief executives. At home, Ostin was the same warm, if preoccupied, family man he’d always been. The Ostin place was a lot like the other well-to-do tract homes on the upper slopes of Encino: airy and modern, with a swimming pool, a driveway spacious enough for half-court basketball, and windows that looked over a twinkling expanse of the San Fernando Valley. If you were a teenager in Encino during the late 1960s, the Ostin place was where you wanted to be. The three Ostin boys, Randy, Michael, and Kenny, WHEN OSTIN were athletic, charTALKED ABOUT ismatic, warm, and CREATIVE generous. Evelyn FREEDOM, Ostin welcomed her HE WASN’T kids’ friends like THINKING JUST family, and when ABOUT ARTISTS. Mr. Ostin got home, WARNER things could get reSTAFFERS ally interesting. Mo WERE JUST AS wasn’t as outgoing YOUNG, HIP, as his wife, but evAND FREAKY AS eryone knew what THE MUSICIANS he did for a living. THE LABEL He’d often walk in, SIGNED, AND carting an armload ITS BURBANK of advance pressings OFFICES BECAME of Warner/Reprise’s A CLUBHOUSE. albums or even acetate discs from sessions that were still in progress. It’d be Hendrix one day, Arlo Guthrie, the Kinks, Zappa the next. Ostin led a style revolution as well. The first thing that changed was his sideburns. What had been abrupt culsde-sac ending at the wings of his eyeglasses, sprouted into chin-length panhandles. The goatee came next. Then the full beard he’d wear for the next 15 years. His look telegraphed the feeling he wanted to permeate the company: relaxed, creative, a place where work and fun went arm in arm. He was particularly intent on the latter. Music was supposed to be fun, he liked to say. If we don’t have fun producing it for people, why would they want to listen to it? And when Ostin talked about creative freedom, he wasn’t thinking just about the artists. The spirit of unbridled creativity, along with the new gang of staffers who were just as young, hip, and freaky as the artists, transformed the company offices into a clubhouse for Warner/ Reprise musicians and employees alike. The new vibe was contagious. A staff photo taken in 1969 shows that of the 19 men pictured (only two employees were women), nine were
PRINCE: PHOTO BY FRANK MICELOTTA/GETTY IMAGES
watching the vibration of zither strings. When Neil Young dropped by, he’d hole up in an office with whomever was around, smoke a joint or two, blast records, check out demos, and shoot the shit. Eventually, they’d get to the crucial stuff: Are you headed to the Troubadour tonight? Want to go together? When they all came rolling out into the evening, it was hard to tell the musicians from the staffers. They were all young, clad in the same rainbow clothes, headed to the same parties, enjoying the same drugs. As envisioned by Ostin, the company worked more like a for-profit arts collective than a traditional commercial enterprise. Selling vast quantities of vinyl and reaping the windfall they created might have been its prime directive, but it wasn’t the only thing the company felt obligated to do. Sometimes the bottom line for signing an act came down to how unique the artists were—or as Lenny Waronker, the label’s A&R chief, would say when he wanted to sign a profoundly uncommercial artist whose work was too good to pass by: “They deserve to have a record
contract.” And it really did work like that. When new A&R man Russ Titelman brought Little Feat’s Lowell George and Bill Payne in to play two or three of their eccentric blues-art rock songs, Waronker was so impressed by what he heard that he signed them on the spot. “That’s great! Go upstairs [to Ostin’s office] and make a deal.” No audition necessary. For all his calm and understanding, the way he moved without troubling the water, Ostin was also a notoriously dogged negotiator. When it came to contracts— with artists, with vendors, with anyone trying to extract money from his company—he would TEAM SPIRIT take a position and stick Clockwise from top left: to it. If you squeezed a Ostin and Warner Bros. Records exec Smith on little more out of him, it the Sunset Strip. The was probably because he pair, along with A&R chief Waronker and a team of had already decided to crack in-house producers, give it to you but wantset a tone at Warner that ed you to have to earn it, emphasized talent over profits. The label made it then go away feeling like a point of pride to pursue you’d beaten him. David avant-garde musicians like Geffen, renowned for his Prince and Zappa. own killer instinct at the bargaining table, did everything he could to avoid sitting across from Ostin. Randy Newman still shudders when he recalls his attempts to get a better deal out of him. “It was like dealing with mortgage bankers,” he told the musician and historian Warren Zanes. Ted Templeman, the successful producer and A&R man, had his own contracts with Ostin, and he saw artists he wanted to bring into the company take their beatings, too. “I think he’d make his mind up on a certain number and wouldn’t budge.” Still, as tough as he could be, Ostin always told the truth. He didn’t come up with elaborate stories to justify his position; he didn’t pull bait and switches. But as Templeman told me, “When he dug in, that was it, the bottom line. No bullshitting.” Once the contracts were signed, Ostin reverted to Medici mode, and the artists ascended to their customary place in the Warner firmament. When Newman wanted a full 40-piece orchestra for a recording session, he would get it, no questions asked, and with no muttering about how much his last record did or didn’t sell. When Van Dyke Parks fell L A M AG . C O M 69
JONI TO JIMI
hard for steel drum music in 1970, he summoned the entire Esso Trinidad Steel Band, nearly 30 members, from their Caribbean home to record with him in Los Angeles, then convinced Ostin to sign them as artists in their own right. The prospects of steel band music breaking through to the mainstream were slim at best, but Ostin liked the music and believed in Parks too much to doubt his taste. One of the most powerful tools in the Warner/Reprise strategy was simple patience. Liberated from the hamster wheel of living from one hit single to the next, it could give its artists time to hone their craft while also building their audience. The perpetually troubled British blues outfit Fleetwood Mac made for a particularly challenging case. The group’s second album sold fewer copies than their American debut, and though their third album did a bit better, the group’s lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Peter Green, quit the band, and his successor, Jeremy Spencer, did the same not long after, leaving drummer Mick Fleetwood, bassist John McVie, and their remaining bandmates scrambling. At that point, any other label worth its profit-and-loss statement would have sent the luckless band packing. But no matter who was fronting them, Fleetwood Mac’s records always came out sounding cool. They also didn’t lose too much of the company’s money, and as long as there were enough other acts raking in the dough, that was enough to guarantee Fleetwood Mac a home on the label. Ostin had first heard about Fleetwood Mac in 1968, 70 L A M AG . C O M
when they were a five-man blues outfit recording for the independent Blue Horizon label in England. Not many American music fans had heard of them at the time, but the ones who had were fervent enough to push the imported U.K. release of Fleetwood Mac to No. 198 on the Billboard album chart. So when the group’s first single, “Man of the World,” was released by Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate Records and jumped to the U.K. charts’ No. 2 slot in 1969, Ostin looked into buying the entire label from Oldham, a deal that would have netted not just Fleetwood Mac but also the promising young guitarist Peter Frampton. When it turned out that the group’s deal with Immediate Records was solely for that one single, Ostin went straight to Fleetwood Mac’s manager and made a deal. The group’s first Reprise album, Then Play On, came out in September 1969. It made for a slow start in the United States, peaking at No. 109 on the Billboard charts. After a flurry of personnel changes, including the addition of Christine Perfect (later McVie, after she married the group’s bassist) and American guitarist Bob Welch, the band recorded 1971’s Future Games, introducing a more laid-back rock sound that resonated with Americans, who bought enough copies to earn the group its first gold album. By the time Welch left the band in 1974, Fleetwood Mac’s album sales were sputtering. Setting out for a new lead guitarist, Mick Fleetwood happened upon a pair of young Californians who had just made their first album as a duo.
JONI MITCHELL: PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCAFFREY/MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES/GETTY IMAGES
Among his peers in the record industy in the 1960s, Ostin shrewdly recognized that musicians as diverse as Joni Mitchell and Jimi Hendrix could find huge audiences if given the creative space and financing to develop their music.
JIMI HENDRIX : JIM MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY
next to no interest in Buckingham’s “Monday Morning,” and Nicks’s “Rhiannon” did even worse. No matter. OsFOR ALL HIS CALM, tin deferred to Fleetwood and OSTIN WAS A DOGGED agreed to give the record an NEGOTIATOR. DAVID extra push. “Artists are usually GEFFEN, RENOWNED FOR incredibly smart about themHIS OWN KILLER INSTINCT, selves,” he reflects now. “They DID EVERYTHING HE COULD know more than we do.” DO TO AVOID SITTING Released in July 1975, ACROSS THE TABLE FROM Fleetwood Mac started creepOSTIN. RANDY NEWMAN ing onto the lower rungs of STILL SHUDDERS WHEN HE the charts. McVie’s bubbling RECALLS TRYING TO GET A “Over My Head” hit radio staBETTER DEAL OUT OF HIM: tions in September, peaking “IT WAS LIKE DEALING WITH at No. 20, followed by Nicks’s MORTGAGE BANKERS.” witchy “Rhiannon” and “Say You Love Me.” On September 4, more than a year after its release, Fleetwood Mac hit No. 1. In February 1976, the ascendant musicians sequestered themselves in the Record Plant, outside San Francisco, to record the follow-up. The previous year of nonstop touring had transformed their careers and taken a bite out of all their lives. John and Christine McVie broke up in the middle of the tour, just as Buckingham and Nicks’s relationship began falling apart. Fleetwood, meanwhile, came home to the news that his wife was leaving him for one of his closest friends. Fueled by their mutual miseries, the songwriting members of the group produced a catalog of powerful new Impressed by the male half ’s guitar playing, the drumtunes. Given the puckish title Rumours and released just six mer invited him to join his band. The guitarist agreed, months after Fleetwood Mac topped the charts, the new albut only if his singer-songwriter girlfriend got to join, too. bum became an immediate sensation. With advance orders With the addition of Lindsey Buckingham, the guitarist, of nearly a million copies, the largest prerelease order in and Stevie Nicks, his partner in music and romance, FleetWarner Bros. Records history, Rumours took slightly more wood Mac was back at it. After a few months of rehearsing, than a month to become the top-selling album in the nation, then playing a series of shows where the new lineup drew then spent nearly seven months at No. 1 and sold more than so badly that Fleetwood gave the promoters some of their ten million copies in its first year. It was an enormous trimoney back, the rejiggered group got to work on an alumph for Fleetwood Mac, a band that had been struggling bum with a power and clarity none of its earlier efforts had for nearly a decade to break through in America and that approached. Much of the credit went to the newcomers. just three years earlier had been on the verge of nonexisBuckingham’s California rock sound and Nicks’s spectral tence. Any other major-label chief would have cut the band folk-rock songs, built on Fleetwood and McVie’s rhythmic loose when the sales slipped so drastically prior to Fleetwood foundation, made them into a band that could range from Mac. But the group’s core fans stuck with them, and so did the straight-ahead rock of Buckingham’s “Monday Morntheir fans in Burbank, where Fleetwood Mac’s latest records ing” to the pop balladry of McVie’s “Over My Head” and the were always a popular choice for Warner’s in-house sound fretful shawl rock of Nicks’s “Rhiannon.” system. The band worked hard and usually came close to Knowing that his group’s new album marked a signifibreaking even, so keeping them on the roster was, according cant departure from its previous work and convinced that it to Ostin’s measures, a no-brainer. He liked to reward people had hit potential, Fleetwood went to Ostin to implore him to for doing good work, and by 1977 his faith in Fleetwood Mac put the company’s full muscle behind the record. At first, Oshad been amply rewarded. tin was skeptical. Fleetwood wanted him to treat Fleetwood Excerpted from Sonic Boom: The Impossible Rise of WarMac like a brand-new band, sinking tens of thousands of dolner Bros. Records, from Hendrix to Fleetwood Mac to Malars into tour support, ads, the works. But they weren’t a new donna to Prince by Peter Ames Carlin. Published by Henry band, no matter how many new members they had. Worse, Holt and Company, January 19, 2021. Copyright © 2021 when the label sent a few tracks out for market research, by Peter Ames Carlin. All rights reserved. the ensuing report was far from promising. Older teens had L A M AG . C O M 71
LT’s Hot Catfish Sandwich from All Day Baby P. 79
EATING IN A GUIDE TO GREAT TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY ACROSS THE CITY E D I T E D
BY
H A I L E Y
E B E R
WEST T H E B R E A K D OW N
Birdie G’s
SANTA MONICA » American $$
James Beard Award-nominated chef Jeremy Fox has retooled his sunny restaurant, named after his young daughter, for the moment. There are à la carte options and three-course meals to go that showcase Fox’s way with both vegetables and elegant-but-hearty fare, like a koji-marinated flatiron steak. Finish things off with the beautiful, jiggly rose-petal pie. 2421 Michigan Ave. (310-310-3616, birdiegsla.com, or @birdiegsla). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Tock, ChowNow, Uber Eats, Doordash, Caviar, Grubhub, and Postmates. 4-8:30 p.m. daily. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.
Broad Street Oyster Co. MALIBU » Seafood $$ Hit the road. Christopher Tompkins, aka “the Oyster Man,” has transformed his clam shack overlooking Malibu Lagoon State Beach into a drive-through concept. You can grab the lobster roll that first brought Tompkins acclaim, fresh oysters, or uni spaghetti. There’s plenty for the seafood averse as well, including a burger sprinkled with shio kombu (dried kelp) and brussels sprouts in a bacon vinaigrette. 23359 Pacific Coast Hwy. (424-644-0131 , broadstreet oyster .com, or @broadstreetoysterco). Takeout phone orders. 4-8 p.m. Sun.-Thu., 4-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
Cassia SANTA MONICA
» Southeast Asian $$
At this grand Southeast Asian brasserie, Mozza vet
TIP > For the most current info on what our beloved restaurants are offering—from curbside takeout to meal kits—check their Instagram accounts along with their websites, both of which we’ve listed. Many spots update their social media more frequently than their home pages.
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At press time, Los Angeles was under a regional stay-at-home order. As such, this month’s listings are devoted to some of our favorite options for delivery and takeout meals. W EST
EAST
Includes Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Culver City, Malibu, Mar Vista, Marina del Rey, Palms, Santa Monica, Venice, West L.A., Westwood
Includes Atwater Village, Eagle Rock, East L.A., Echo Park, Glendale, Los Feliz, Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley, Silver Lake
DOWNTOWN Includes Arts District, Bunker Hill, Chinatown, Historic Core, Little Tokyo, South Park
T H E VALLEY Includes Agoura Hills, Burbank, Calabasas, Encino, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Van Nuys
CENTRAL
SOUT H
Includes Beverly Grove, East Hollywood, Fairfax District, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Koreatown, West Hollywood
Includes Bell, Compton, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Watts
$ INEXPENSIVE
(Meals under $10) (Mostly under $20) $ $ $ E X P E N S I V E (Mostly under $30) $ $ $ $ V E R Y E X P E N S I V E ($30 and above) $ $ M O D E R AT E
Price classifications are approximate and based on the cost of a typical main course that serves one. For restaurants primarily offering multicourse family meals, the cost per person of such a meal is used.
2021
Bryant Ng mines his Chinese Singaporean heritage, honors wife Kim’s Vietnamese background, and knows the secrets to making sublimely delicious food that travels well. 1314 7th St. (310-393-6699, cassiala.com, or @dinecassia). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Doordash, Caviar, ChowNow, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats. 4-9 p.m. daily. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.
Colapasta SANTA MONICA
» Italian $$
Fresh, affordable pastas topped with farmers’ market fare shine at this sunny spot. The poppy-seed-sprinkled beet ravioli is delicate and delicious, while the gramigna with pesto and ricotta is hearty and satisfying. 1241 5th St. (310-310-8336, colapasta.restaurant, or @colapasta .restaurant). Takeout and delivery via Grubhub. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Beer and wine to go.
Felix
VENICE » Italian $$
Evan Funke is a pasta purist who can slip Italian lessons into any meal, even if he’s not the one doing all the cooking. His takeaway options include fresh pastas by the pound and sauces like a ragù Bolognese by the pint. Not looking to DIY? There are hot pizzas, antipasti, desserts, and Felix’s famous focaccia, all ready to go (and eat). 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd. (424-3878622, felixla.com, or @felixlosangeles). Takeout and delivery via ChowNow. 4-9:30 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go.
Mírame
BEVERLY HILLS » Mexican $$$
Joshua Gil is cooking exciting, contemporary Mexican fare with market-driven ingredients. Dishes are imaginative but not overly contrived—salmon-skin chicharrón with fermented garlic aioli; a divine slow-cooked Heritage Farms pork shoulder served with a black-lime gastrique, celtuce, and hearty, richly flavorful frijoles charros cooked with a pig’s head. The latter is available as part of Mírame’s to-go family meal, which includes house-made tortillas; a memorable riff on Caesar salad with pork chicharrón, roasted vegetables and goat cheese; chocolate flan; and an adorable little bottle of margaritas. At just $95 for two people, it’s an amazingly affordable way to sample Gil’s cooking. 419 N. Canon Dr. (310-230-5035, mirame.la, or @mirame.la). Takeout and delivery via Toast. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Cocktails to go.
A L L DAY B A BY: R E B E CC A A R A N DA
FEB
n/naka PALMS » Japanese $$$$ Niki Nakayama’s acclaimed kaiseki restaurant has long been one of the city’s harder-to-score reservations, so naturally its to-go meals aren’t easy to get ahold of either. But if you do nab some takeout, you’re in for a treat. The $65 California Ekiben bento box is packed with delights highlighting the state’s bounty, like Monterey Bay abalone and Santa Barbara uni. Proceeds benefit the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund. 3455 S. Overland Ave. (310-836-6252, n-naka.com, or @nnakarestaurant). Takeout via Tock. 4-9:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat. Wine, sake, and cocktails to go.
Ospi VENICE » Italian $$$
Jackson Kalb’s sprawling new Italian joint brings bustle to a corner on an otherwise quiet stretch. Pastas, including a spicy rigatoni alla vodka and raschiatelli with a pork rib ragù, are sublime, and most travel remarkably well. Roman-style pizzas boast a uniquely crispy, cracker-thin crust; to get the full crunch, have a slice as you drive your takeout home. 2025 Pacific Ave. (424-443-5007, ospivenice.com, or @ospiveni). Takeout via Toast. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. daily.
serves a selection of dishes intended to be nostalgiainducing for expats of Chengdu, the largest city in China’s Sichuan province. The cooking balances spiciness with subtlety, showcasing a cuisine that tantalizes the tongue while lips go numb. The handmade wontons will make you understand why the dumplings are a crowd fave. 11057 Santa Monica Blvd. (310444-7171, sichuanimpressions.com, or @sichuan _impression_). Pickup and delivery via Postmates. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Also at 1900 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra (626-283-4622).
NATALE E T H A I
C U I S I N E
Vincenti BRENTWOOD
» Italian $$-$$$
Italian food lovers, rejoice. Chef Nicola Mastronardi is still cooking from his regular menu, turning out impeccably tender roasted octopus and crisp fried calamari as well as comforting pastas such as sausagerapini orecchiette. Those with larger appetites can order the Jidori chicken with tomatoes, black olives, and onions or the New York steak with green beans, potatoes, and black truffles. No hugs from owner Maureen Vincenti right now, so air kisses will have to do. 11930 San Vicente Blvd. (310-207-0127, vincentiristorante.com, or @vincentiristorante). Curbside pickup and delivery via Postmates, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. 5-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.
Pasjoli SANTA MONICA » French $$$$
Dave Beran’s à la carte spot bucks the trends in favor of old-fashioned thrills—even when it comes to takeout. Ready-to-heat bistro suppers feature classic dishes like beef cheek bourguignon and a savory leek tart with blue crab, along with vegetable sides, house-made milk rolls, and, of course, dessert. You can also order à la carte dishes like duck confit with cherry bread pudding and mushroom risotto. 2732 Main St. (424-330-0020 or pasjoli.com). 5-8 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wine to go.
Pizzana BRENTWOOD
» Italian $$
It’s not easy to make over the local pie joint, but 32-year-old chef Daniele Uditi has reimagined an urban standby with equal parts purism and playfulness, becoming a neighborhood favorite in the process. Most impressive is the open-mindedness that has him deftly transforming the Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe into a pizza or putting a hearty short rib ragù on the Pignatiello pie. And in a real twist, appetizers and seasonal salads are not afterthoughts but highlights. The pizzeria is also making its famous, limited-edition sub sandwiches more readily available (check Instagram) and has been offering free meals for doctors and nurses. 11712 San Vicente Blvd. (310-481-7108, pizzana.com, or @pizzana). Pickup and delivery via ChowNow. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Also at 460 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood (310-657-4662).
Sichuan Impression WEST L.A. » Chinese $$ The Westside spin-off of the Alhambra original
DOWNTOWN
9 Years in a Row - Culver City News
Angry Egret Dinette CHINATOWN » Sandwiches $$ Wes Avila has left Guerrilla Tacos and is focusing on torta-esque sandwiches at this heartfelt new venture. The headliner is the Whittier Blvd: beef belly braised in star anise-laced lard for eight hours, then stuffed on a roll with horseradish cream, avocado, queso fresco, serrano chile, and red pepper escabeche. It’s hearty and decadent—especially if you opt to add a duck egg, which you should— but also wonderfully nuanced. Sandwiches with fried ingredients, like the Baja shrimp po’boy and a veggie number, with Broccolini tempura, miraculously manage to remain crispy and travel well. 970 N. Broadway, Ste. 114 (aedinette.com or @angryegretdinette) Takeout via restaurant website, delivery via DoorDash. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
Badmaash HISTORIC CORE
» Indian $$
This Indian gastropub concept comes from the father-and-sons team of Pawan, Nakul, and Arjun Mahendro, who are all well versed in the culinary techniques of East and West. The menu features contemporary mash-ups, like a version of poutine smothered in chicken tikka, tandoori chicken wings, and a spicy lamb burger. If tradition’s your thing, you’ll be comforted by spice-stewed chickpeas, potato and pea samosas, and what they call “good ol’ saag paneer.” Wash it all down with carefully curated, reasonably priced natural wines. 108 W. 2nd St. (213-221-7466, badmaashla.com, or @badmaashla). Curbside pickup and delivery via Caviar and DoorDash. 5-9 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go. Also at 418 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax District (213-281-5185). 12-9 p.m. daily.
Guerrilla Cafecito ARTS DISTRICT » Breakfast $-$$ This new breakfast offshoot around the corner from Guerilla Tacos makes a perfectly balanced brekkie burrito that rivals the city’s long-established best. The caramelized-milk-and-lemon doughnuts are wonderfully not-too-sweet: a doughnut even a nondoughnut lover can love. No wonder they often sell out. 704 Mateo St. (213-375-3300 or guerrillacafecito .com). 8 a.m.-12 p.m. daily.
Lasa CHINATOWN
Ospi
“The Best of Culver City”
» Filipino $-$$
Brothers Chase and Chad Valencia are offering a limited menu of some of their favorite dishes, including crispy chicken arroz caldo and Bicol Express—slow-
“Readers Choice Award”
“Best of The West Side”
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Venice: 10101 Venice Blvd. | (310) 202-7003 Full Bar | Sushi Bar Beverly Hills: 998 S. Robertson Blvd. | (310) 855-9380 Full Bar | Valet Parking
Dine In | Delivery | Take Out | Order Online
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FLORALS
roasted pork shoulder with a spicy coconut cream sauce. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of biodynamic wine to go with your meal. 727 N. Broadway, Ste. 120 (213-443-6163, lasa-la.com, or @lasa_la). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Toast, Doordash, Caviar, and Postmates. 5-8 p.m. Wed.-Thurs; 11:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sun. Beer and wine to go.
ing has become indispensable. Carefully constructed salads showcase vegetables at their best, and the roasted chicken with panzanella is both an homage to San Francisco’s Zuni Café and a classic in and of itself. Caroline Styne’s always intriguing wine list doesn’t shy away from the ecology of vineyards. 8700 W. 3rd St. (310-859-9859 or aocwinebar.com). Pickup and delivery via Toast. 3-8 p.m. daily. Wine to go.
Pearl River Deli CHINATOWN » Chinese $
Brandoni Pepperoni WEST HOLLYWOOD » Pizza $$
Chef Johnny Lee has gained a reputation as a poultry wizard, and his succulent Hainan chicken is a highly sought-after dish. Sadly, he’s serving it only as an occasional weekend special at his tiny Far East Plaza takeout spot. But don’t despair: the ever-changing menu is full of winners, from a pork chop sandwich on a pineapple bun to a beefy, memorable rendition of mapo tofu. 727 N. Broadway, Ste. 130 (626-688-9507, pearlriverdeli.com, or @prd_la). Takeout by calling the restaurant. 11-7 p.m. Wed.-Sun.
Six nights a week, Brandon Gray turns out some of L.A.’s most exciting pizzas in the back of the WeHo Gateway shopping center. Gray, a veteran of Navy kitchens and top local restaurants like Providence, brings boundless imagination to his pies. They’re topped with premium ingredients—Jidori chicken, Sungold tomatoes, Spanish octopus—in exciting combinations. A curry-Dijonnaise dressing renders a side salad surprisingly memorable. 7100 Santa Monica Blvd., (323-306-4968 or brandoni-pepperoni .com). Pickup only. 4-8 p.m., Thurs.-Tues. Wine to go.
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74 L A M AG . C O M
» Pizza $
Get a quick taste of Rossoblu chef Steve Samson’s Italian-food mastery at his casual pizzeria that serves both thin-crust slices and whole pies. The pepperoni always pleases, but the honey—with spicy salami, provolone, and Grana Padano—really thrills. 1101 S. San Pedro St., Ste. F (323-698-5677, superfinepizza .com, or @superfinepizza). Curbside pickup and delivery via the restaurant website, elsewhere via Postmates. 12-9 p.m. Wed.-Sun.
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LIGHTING
» Mexican $
This downtown spot known for its tortillas is a top takeout value. Order à la carte or opt for affordable family-style options to make your own tacos, burritos, or chimichangas filled with chorizo, carne asada, or mesquite-grilled chicken. Wash it all down with a sixpack of Tecate or seasonal aguas frescas. 208 E. 8th St. (213-628- 3710, sonoratown.com, @sonoratownla). Curbside pickup by calling the restaurant; takeout and delivery via Caviar. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Beer to go.
CENTRAL Angelini Osteria BEVERLY GROVE » Italian $$$ Gino Angelini grew up on his grandma’s lasagna in a town outside the Adriatic city of Rimini and came to Los Angeles to cook with Mauro Vincenti. His extensive to-go offerings are both comforting and refined, from the ever-popular Gino’s meatballs to tagliolini limone to sautéed Maine scallops with riso venere and aged balsamic vinegar. 7313 Beverly Blvd. (323297-0070, angelinirestaurantgroup.com, or @angeliniosteria). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Caviar, and DoorDash. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Wine to go.
Guelaguetza KOREATOWN » Mexican $-$$ An authentic Oaxacan restaurant located in a former Korean banquet hall has made for a happy jumble
C H E F FAVO R I T E S DOUGLAS RANKIN BAR RESTAURANT
THE GREAT FATTOUSH CAROUSEL “It’s like everything that I want in a salad. It’s got lot of texture, a very acidic dressing, sumac, and crispy pita chips. And it’s super filling.” $10, 304 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, and 5112 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, carousel restaurant.com. CEVICHELÓN SHRIMP CEVICHE & MICHELADA COCKTAIL CEVICHE PROJECT “It’s beer and ceviche in one shot!
How could you not love it?” $19, 2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake, ceviche project.com.
LARRY MANTLE WAX PAPER “They do a really good job of making a fantastic sandwich. It always hits the spot. I love the way they present it—I think they grate pecorino all over the top. Every bite has everything in it.” $15, 2902 Knox Ave., Frogtown, and 736 N. Broadway., Ste. 106, Chinatown, waxpaperco.com.
Antico
LARCHMONT VILLAGE » Italian $-$$
Take comfort. Some of the city’s best ice cream is now available to pick up. Chef Chad Colby has converted his East Larchmont Italian restaurant into a takeout spot for focaccia pizzas and ice cream, fashioning a makeshift pizza oven with the plancha top that used to sit on the restaurant’s hearth. The ice cream has a wonderfully smooth texture, and the flavors are spot-on. The honeycomb has garnered a lot of praise since the restaurant opened in 2019—and rightly so—but Colby has been introducing flavors like peppermint bark and hazelnut cookie crunch. 4653 Beverly Blvd. (323510-3093, antico-la.com, or @antico__la). Pickup and delivery via Caviar. 3-8 p.m. Mon.-Tues., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wine to go.
A.O.C.
BEVERLY GROVE » California $$$
Unforced and driven by culinary excellence, A.O.C. is a sure thing in uncertain times. Suzanne Goin’s cook-
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for decades. The tlayudas, giant tortillas, are irresistible when spread with asiento, a traditional condiment that could pass for whipped lardo. Thick with pounded almonds, olives, and roasted chiles, the seven different types of moles are a tapestry of interwoven elements. And now, the delightfully authentic flavors can be had at home, thanks to the restaurant’s take-home meal kits. 3014 W. Olympic Blvd. (213-427-0608, ilovemole.com, or @laguelaguetza). Takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery via Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, and Grubhub. 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.
République
Harold & Belle’s JEFFERSON PARK » Southern Creole $$
Daniel and Caitlin Cutler’s chic pizzeria retains its funloving spirit with takeout specials like Taco Tuesdays. Pizzas and other regular offerings, like a cacio e pepe risotto or a French dip calzone inspired by Philippe’s, are always delightful. There are also delicious grocery items, like pie-making kits, loaves of sourdough bread, and cookie dough. 7315 Melrose Ave. (323-9175100, ronanla.com, or @ronan_la). Curbside pickup and delivery via Caviar, Postmates, and DoorDash. 4-9 p.m. daily. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.
For Creole-style food—a mélange of French, African, and Native American flavors—Harold & Belle’s is as close to the Dirty Coast as you’ll come on the West Coast. And the transporting food is now also transportable. The crawfish étouffée in gravy will have you humming zydeco, while the bourbon bread pudding will leave you with a Sazerac-worthy buzz. 2920 W. Jefferson Blvd. (323-735-9023, haroldand belles.com, or @haroldandbellesrestaurant). Pickup and delivery via Grubhub and Uber Eats. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
Jon & Vinny’s
FAIRFAX DISTRICT
» Italian $$
Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s homage to the neighborhood pizza joint is an in-demand reservation that translates well to the comfort of your couch. The Italian American canon is prepared with the signature gusto of their first venture, Animal, but there’s also a more rarely seen delicacy in everything from the chicken parm to meatballs. 412 N. Fairfax Ave. (323334-3369, jonandvinnys.com, or @jonandvinnydelivery). Pickup and delivery via DoorDash. 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go. Also at 11938 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood (310-442-2733).
HANCOCK PARK » Cal-French $$$
Baguette your troubles. Margarita Manzke’s beautiful breads and pastries make for a delicious start to the day. Luxe multicourse takeout dinners, with dishes like uni and lobster pasta and organic rotisserie chicken with farmers’ market vegetables, make for sweet endings. 624 S. La Brea Ave. (310-362-6115 or republiquela.com). Takeout or delivery via Tock. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily and 5-6:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wine and cocktails to go.
Ronan
FAIRFAX DISTRICT » Cal-Italian $$
SLAB
BEVERLY GROVE
» Barbecue $$
It began as Trudy’s Underground Barbecue, homegrown in the backyard of pitmaster Burt Bakman. Hungry diners would line up in the driveway of Bakman’s then Studio City home, desperate for a taste of his famous smoked barbecue meats. In 2018, Bakman came up from the underground, opening a sleek storefront that’s now filling orders for down-home fare to be enjoyed at home, from perfectly marbled brisket and slathered baby back ribs to pulled-pork sandwiches and collard greens. You can even get a six-pack of Bud Light. 8136 W. 3rd. St. (310-855-7184, slabbarbecue.com, or @slab). Takeout and delivery via Postmates. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Beer and wine to go.
EAST All Time LOS FELIZ » California $$ Tyler and Ashley Wells’s cozy bungalow café has long been a local gem, but it’s really something now. In addition to faves like the superb breakfast sandwich and the salmon bowl, it is offering grocery survival kits packed with tasty necessities, pasta kits with house-made tomato sauce, bake-athome lasagna and pot pies, and much more. The Wellses have also been offering a limited number of free boxes of market produce for those in need. 2040 Hillhurst Ave.(323-660-3868, alltimelos angeles.com, or @freakinalltime). Takeout and delivery via Toast.9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Wine to go.
All Day Baby SILVER LAKE » Eclectic $$ Jonathan Whitener’s Here’s Looking At You is sadly closed, but his thrilling cooking continues on a bustling Eastside corner. Whether you opt for smoked spare ribs, a hot catfish sandwich, or a breakfast sandwich on pastry chef Thessa Diadem’s sublime biscuits, it’s all great. 3200 W. Sunset Blvd. (323-741-0082, allday babyla.com, or @alldaybabyla).Takeout and delivery via Toast. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed.-Sun.
Bar Restaurant SILVER LAKE » French $$$ Chef Douglas Rankin, who worked under Ludo Lefebvre for years, struck out on his own with this charming, pale-pink “neo-bistro” in the old Malo space in Sunset Junction. For the takeout era, Rankin and company have reinvented themselves with a popup called En Feu! It focuses on playful, hearty fare, much of it cooked on a French rotisserie—think curly fries with dijon aioli, rôtisserie porchetta with yogurt sauce and flatbread, and, of course, rôtisserie chick-
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en. Turns out food doesn’t have to remind you of home to be comforting. 4326 W. Sunset Blvd. (barrestaurant.la or 323-347-5557). D Tue.-Sat. Full bar.
Eszett SILVER LAKE
» Eclectic $$
This stylish, cozy wine bar brings warm hospitality and tasty plates, large and small, to the strip-mall space formerly occupied by Trois Familia. Chef Spencer Bezaire’s menu showcases Japanese, French, and German influences, making for hearty yet refined to-go meals. The big fries alone are worth an order. 3510 W. Sunset Blvd. (323522-6323 or eszettla.com). Takeout by calling the restaurant or delivery via Caviar, 12-8 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wine to go.
Found Oyster EAST HOLLYWOOD
So-go is hardly the only concept in town devoted to rolls, but it has mastered the form. Rice is cooked with the same careful consideration and seasoning that sushi master Kiminobu Saito uses at the highend Sushi Note, and it manages to maintain a great temperature and texture, even when being delivered. Fish is not just fresh but flavorful, each type thoughtfully paired with ideal accompaniments, from a tangy yuzu-pepper sauce that makes salmon sing to brandysoaked albacore with garlic-ginger ponzu and crispy onions. 4634 Hollywood Blvd. (323-741-0088, sogorollbar.com, or @sogorollbar). Takeout via Upserve, delivery via Caviar. 12-8:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Beer and sake to go.
» Seafood $$$
This tiny oyster bar was a pre-pandemic favorite, and chef Ari Kolender’s seafood dishes still thrill when taken to go. The scallop tostada with yuzu kosho and basil is a must-order, and a bisque sauce takes the basic lobster roll to new heights. Interesting, affordable wines add to the fun. Looking to cook yourself? The restaurant also operates a seafood shop. 4880 Fountain Ave., (323-486-7920, foundoyster.com, or @foundoyster). Takeout via Toast. 3-8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 12-5 p.m. Sun. Wine and beer to go.
Hippo HIGHLAND PARK
Sōgo Roll Bar LOS FELIZ » Sushi $$
Spoon & Pork SILVER LAKE » Filipino $$ The go-to for Filipino comfort food offers a variety of dishes, all featuring one shared ingredient: deliciousness. Spoon & Pork puts an innovative spin on some Filipino favorites—just try its adobo pork belly, pork belly banh mi, or lechon kawali. The dishes elegantly mix decadence with some authentic soul. 3131 W. Sunset Blvd. (323-922-6061, spoonandpork.com, or @spoonandporkla). Takeout via the restaurant website. 12-7 p.m. Tue.-Sun.
» Cal-Italian $$
Hidden in a wood-trussed dining room behind Triple Beam Pizza, this Cal-Ital restaurant from Mozza vet Matt Molina balances casual and refined. Many favorites from the eat-in menu are available for takeout and delivery, including a salad of snappy wax beans sluiced with vinaigrette and fettucine with heritage pork ragù. Keep an eye on Instagram for fun specials like pickle-brined buttermilk fried chicken and custom cocktails, where bartenders shake something up for you based on your favorite spirit, preference for shaken or stirred, and one word of inspiration. 5916 ½ N. Figueroa St. (323-545-3536, hipporestaurant.com, or @hippohighland park). Pickup and delivery via Caviar and DoorDash. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily; 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and 4-8 p.m. Sun. Wine and cocktails to go.
Tsubaki ECHO PARK
» Japanese $$
The popular izakaya has modified its menu to include to-go-friendly options like bento boxes with charcoal-grilled ocean trout and Jidori chicken accompanied by miso soup, daikon pickles, green-bean goma-ae, and root vegetable kinpira. There are also fried pork dumplings and a fried chicken sandwich— perfect home-drinking food. The restaurant is offering a virtual sake school, highlighting a particular sake with tasting notes and videos via Instagram Stories. 1356 Allison Ave. (213-900-4900, tsubakila.com, or @tsubakila). Takeout and delivery via Tock. 5-9 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Sake to go.
Union Maury’s Bagels SILVER LAKE » Bagels $
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PASADENA
East Coast transplant Jason Kaplan spent a decade in L.A. before deciding he had to take matters into his own hands if he wanted a great bagel in this town. He started out as a pop-up at farmers’ markets and coffee shops, but his appropriately modestly sized, delightfully chewy bagels now have a brick-and-mortar location on a quiet, charming Eastside corner next door to Psychic Wines. Maury’s is currently not making sandwiches, but you can grab its excellent whole bagels, cream cheeses, and smoked fish to make your own at home. 2829 Bellevue Ave. (323- 380-9380, maurysbagels.com, or @maurys_losangeles). Takeout and delivery via Caviar and ChowNow. 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tues-Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
Northern Thai Food Club EAST HOLLYWOOD » Thai $ Offering specialty dishes unique to Northern Thailand, this family-run favorite doesn’t skimp on flavor, spice, or authenticity. Tasty takeout meals include the khao soi gai (curry egg noodle with chicken), larb moo kua (minced pork), tum kha noon (jackfruit salad), pla salid tod (fried gourami fish). For those unfamiliar with the region’s distinct cuisine, the illustrious sticky rice is still a staple. Need more incentive? Everything on the menu is less than $10. 5301 Sunset Blvd. (323-474-7212 or amphainorthern thaifood.com). Takeout and delivery via the restaurant’s website. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.
Porridge + Puffs HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN
» Pan-Asian $
Minh Phan’s beloved restaurant is still cooking up porridge and puffs, along with various collaborations with local businesses. Various provisions, like pickled rose geranium onions, are on sale to help jazz up your home cooking. 2801 Beverly Blvd. (213-908-5313, porridgeandpuffs.com, or @porridgeandpuffs). Takeout via Square Up. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
7 6 L A M AG . C O M
» Italian $$$
The food shines at this cozy trattoria just off Pasadena’s main drag. Chef Chris Keyser, an acolyte of Philadelphia pasta maestro Marc Vetri, joined in 2019, keeping classics, like a great cacio e pepe, on the menu while adding his own dishes, such as a thrilling crispy octopus appetizer. Most of the eat-in menu is available to go, and family-style meals for four are also available. The pastas all impress, but don’t miss the wild mushrooms and polenta with a sublimely delicious sherry vinegar and truffle butter sauce. 37 E. Union St. (626-795-5841, unionpasadena.com, or @unionpasadena). Curbside pickup and delivery via Toast and Postmates. 5-9 p.m. daily. Wine to go.
THE VALLEY Black Market Liquor Bar STUDIO CITY » New American $$ Most nights, it seemed half the Valley was here, huddled at the bar. Sure the world has changed, but you can take comfort in still being able to enjoy Top Chef graduate Antonia Lofaso’s crowd favorites— meatballs, crispy spring rolls, and sticky toffee pudding. The market is also selling fresh pasta and handmade sauces. Popular cocktails like the jalapeño-infused, vodka-based Red Hot & Bothered have been bottled for home use. 11915 Ventura Blvd. (818-446-2533,blackmarketliquorbar.com, or @blackmarketliquorbar). Takeout and delivery via Caviar, Grubhub, Postmates, and Seamless. 3-9:30 p.m. daily. Cocktails to go.
The Brothers Sushi WOODLAND HILLS » Sushi $$$ At least there’s still sushi, and at this hidden gem, which was reinvigorated when chef Mark Okuda took the helm in 2018, the fare is really great. Keep spirits
up with the Handroll Party home kits, or splurge on omakase to go. You can also order à la carte or get non-sushi items like soy-glazed grilled chicken. 21418 Ventura Blvd. (818-456-4509, thebrotherssushi .com, or @thebrotherssushila). Curbside pickup and delivery by calling the restaurant. 12-2 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Beer, wine, and sake to go.
Hank’s BURBANK
es (except a daily special), but more casual options like fried chicken, pastas, and burgers are now on
Little Coyote LONG BEACH » Pizza $
offer. Plus, the eatery is serving lunch in addition to dinner, and you can order raw cuts from its butcher shop (for pickup only). 903 Manhattan Ave. (310-878-9620, thearthurj.com, or @the_arthurj). Takeout and delivery via DoorDash and ChowNow. 2-8 p.m. daily. Beer and wine to go.
That most amazing slice of pizza you had that one, very drunken, late night in your early twenties in New York lives on . . . in Long Beach. The crust, made with dough cold-fermented for 48 to 72 hours, is carby perfection: tangy, crispy, thin but with a healthy puff. The concise menu doesn’t offer any revelations about what should be atop pizza, but rather perfects the usual suspects: pepperoni comes in generous quantities, tiny porky cups glistening with grease; a veggie supreme transcends the usual half-cooked-produce mediocrity of the form. This is pizza worth driving south for. 2118 E. 4th St.. (562-
Gabi James
» Bagels $
The L.A. bagel revolution continues as this stylish new spot in the Valley serves up carefully constructed sandwiches. Tomato, aioli, and maple-glazed bacon elevate a simple bacon, egg, and cheese, while a classic cured salmon sandwich has thoughtful touches like salted cucumbers and pickled onions. The bagels shine with plain cream cheese, but it’s worth grabbing a tub of Hank’s “angry” spread— a spicy, slighly sweet concoction—to have in your fridge. 4315 Riverside Dr. (hanksbagels.com or @hanksbagels). Takeout and delivery via Toast. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
SOUTH
REDONDO BEACH
» Spanish $$$
Mozza alum Chris Feldmeier has revamped his traditional tapas menu to offer a selection of family meals, along with discounted beer, wine, and cocktails— even gin-and-juice Jell-O shots. Meals are designed to fit a range of tastes and include a starter, main dish, and dessert. Feldmeier has given them cute names like the Netflix & Grill, which comprises an arugula salad appetizer, two skirt steaks, filet mignon, french fries, and two chocolate bread puddings to feed four to five people for $125. Extra desserts can be ordered à la carte. 1810 S. Catalina Ave. (310-5404884, gabijamesla.com, or @gabijamesla). Curbside pickup and delivery via DoorDash. 12-8 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Beer, wine, and cocktails to go.
Hotville
BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW » Fried chicken $
The Arthur J MANHATTAN BEACH
» Steak House $$$
David LeFevre’s take on the American steak house is so midcentury plush, it’ll definitely be worth a visit to splurge after the quarantine ends to celebrate being able to leave your house again. For now, you will have to settle for sampling his culinary creations in the comfort of your own home. Whether that means ordering a top-grade Japanese Wagyu steak (4 ounces) for $60 or a petite New York steak for $38, wet-aged and darkened on the grill, for takeout or delivery is up to you. The overhauled menu no longer includes seafood dish-
Kim Prince has fried chicken in her blood. She is the niece of André Prince Jeffries, owner of Nashville legend Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, where hot fried chicken is said to have originated. If you are craving what Prince calls her “fiery fowl, brined to burn,” you’re in luck. The restaurant is still operating for takeout only. And the full menu is available, including sides ($5 and up) like spicy mac and cheese and kale coleslaw, and lemon pound cake
and banana pudding for dessert. 4070 Marlton Ave. (323-792-4835, hotville chicken.com, or @hotville chicken). Takeout and delivery via Postmates. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Sun.
434-2009, littlecoyotelbc.com, or @littlecoyotelbc). Takeout and delivery via Toast and DoorDash. 12-8 p.m. Wed.-Sun.
Tamales Elena Y Antojitos BELL GARDENS » Afro-Mexican $ This small spot, with counter service, a drivethrough window, and a patio purports to be the only Afro-Mexican restaurant in the area. It focuses on a distinct cuisine from a part of Guerrero to which former slaves fled. Pozoles are uniquely rich and slightly thick, and the memorable pork tamales with red sauce are wrapped in fire-tinged banana leaves to impart a hint of smoke. 81801 Garfield Ave., (5620674-3043, ordertamaleselenayantojitos.com, or @tamaleselenayantojitos). Takeout and delivery via restaurant website or phone. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.-Tues, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.
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Dana Lowy Felicia R. Meyers
Doreen Marie Olson
L TO R: Doreen Marie Olson*, Felicia R. Meyers*, Lisa Helfend Meyer*^, Dana Lowy* *CHOSEN TO SUPER LAWYERS ^TOP 50 WOMEN
LOS ANGELES 10100 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 1425 Los Angeles, CA 90067 PH: (310) 277-9747 FX: (310) 277-4847
IRVINE 2211 Michelson Drive Suite 340 Irvine, CA 92612 PH: (949) 397-3977 FX: (949) 800-1309
MOLFAMLAW.COM
MEYER, OLSON, LOWY & MEYERS, LLP A TRAILBLAZER AND INNOVATOR IN HIGH-STAKES DIVORCE ISSUES “For many of our clients, confronting painful emotions and the possible loss of marital assets or child custody may be the most difficult situation they will ever experience,” says Felicia Meyers, a partner at Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP (MOLM). “Our job is to help our clients achieve their legal goals and emerge as stronger individuals, confident about their futures.”
With a national reputation for tenacious representation, MOLM is a female-owned firm representing women and men in complex divorces. This high-visibility, high-stakes practice focuses on all aspects of family law, with particular success in high-asset marital estates, child custody matters and international move-away cases. The firm’s team of 20-plus goal-driven and experienced attorneys brings a combination of legal sophistication and empathy to clientele, which includes members of the entertainment, financial and alternative investment industries; business executives; and professional athletes and their spouses.
POWERFUL AND PIONEERING The firm prides itself on settling cases on the client’s terms rather than in a courtroom; however, it also has a strong track record of impressive trial work. This includes trying and successfully appealing the groundbreaking California case establishing that stock options should be included in the supporting parent’s gross income and an international move-away case involving a parent relocating to Israel.
AMONG THE BEST MOLM has been named a Tier 3 firm in Los Angeles in Family Law by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2021. The award recognizes the firm’s abilities, professionalism and integrity. This year, six of the firm’s attorneys were selected as Southern California Super Lawyer honorees.
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ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
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Ron Bender Martin J. Brill David B. Golubchik Gary E. Klausner David W. Levene David L. Neale Timothy J. Yoo Beth Ann R. Young
Edward M. Wolkowitz
Daniel H. Reiss
Eve H. Karasik
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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X S-4SUPERLAWYERS.COM SUPERLAWYERS.COM
ATTORNEYS ATTORNEYSSELECTED SELECTEDTO TOSUPER SUPERLAWYERS LAWYERSAND ANDRISING RISINGSTARS STARSWERE WERECHOSEN CHOSENIN INACCORDANCE ACCORDANCE WITH WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE PAGE S-6. XX.
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Congratulations to AERLEX President and Founder STEPHEN HOFER on his selection to Southern California Super Lawyers for the 12th consecutive year. AERLEX is Southern California's premier aviation law firm and recognized as one of the best aviation law firms in the entire world. AERLEX represents clients in every aspect of aviation law. Since 2005, AERLEX has handled more than 1,000 aircraft transactions valued at over $6.5 billion.
Clients in the United States and more than 30 countries around the world – from Beverly Hills boardrooms, Hollywood studios and Silicon Valley technology titans to business centers throughout Europe and Asia – all have entrusted their aircraft acquisitions and other aviation issues to Stephen Hofer and the AERLEX team. AERLEX can help you discover the smartest, safest and greenest ways to fly privately anywhere in the world.
11900 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 450 Los Angeles, CA 90064 shofer@aerlex.com 310-392-5200
aerlex.com SUPER SUPER LAWYERS LAWYERSSOUTHERN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA 2021 2021S-5 X
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SELECTION PROCESS Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process.*
OUR PATENTED SELECTION PROCESS
The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. We limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.
NOMINATIONS
The Super Lawyers selection process involves the steps outlined in the graphic (at right).
LEARN MORE SuperLawyers.com/SelectionProcess QUESTIONS? SL-Research@thomsonreuters.com
visit SuperLawyers.com Search for an attorney by practice area and location, and read features on attorneys selected to our lists. DISCLAIMER: The information presented in Super Lawyers Magazine is not legal advice, nor is Super Lawyers a legal referral service. We strive to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the information provided, but make no claim, promise or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in this magazine or linked to SuperLawyers.com and its associated sites. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be solely based upon advertising or the listings in this magazine. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services performed by the attorneys listed in this magazine will be greater than that of other licensed attorneys. Super Lawyers is an independent magazine publisher that has developed its own selection methodology. Super Lawyers is not affiliated with any state or regulatory body, and its listings do not certify or designate an attorney as a specialist. State required disclaimers can be found on the respective state pages on superlawyers.com.
Š 2021 Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
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Diverse list of the top attorneys nominated by their own peers
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH Evaluated by third-party research across 12 key categories
PEER EVALUATION Reviewed by a highly credentialed Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys
FINAL SELECTION
2.5%
of attorneys selected to Rising Stars
5%
of attorneys selected to Super Lawyers
*U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,564
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SHERNOFF BIDART ECHEVERRIA LLP
Pioneers of Insurance Bad Faith
CLAREMONT / LOS ANGELES (L to R): Ricardo Echeverria (Super Lawyers Honoree 2005-2021), Michael J. Bidart (Super Lawyers Honoree 2004-2021, Top 100 2004-2021, Top 10 2018-2021), William M. Shernoff (Super Lawyers Honoree 2004-2021) NOT PICTURED: Samuel Bruchey (Super Lawyers Honoree 2021)
The Law Firm for Insurance Bad Faith and Catastrophic Personal Injury
shernoff.com
Our firm handles insurance bad faith claim denials, including:
• Business Interruption Insurance • Homeowner Insurance Claims • Medical Insurance Denials • Life Insurance Denials • Excess Verdict • Disability Insurance • Long-term Care Insurance • Flood and Fire Insurance Claims • Coverage Denials • Duty to Defend • All other types of Insurance Claims To schedule a free consultation, please call the firm at (800) 458-3386.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
TOP 10 William. M. Shernoff Michael J. Bidart Ricardo Echeverria
Michael J. Bidart
shernoff.com SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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TOP 100
AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.
TOP 10 ALEXANDER, III, J. BERNARD Alexander Morrison + Fehr, Los Angeles BIDART, MICHAEL J. Shernoff Bidart Echeverria, Claremont CHU, MORGAN Irell & Manella, Los Angeles HARRISON, GENIE • Ranked Number Three • Genie Harrison Law Firm, Los Angeles HOMAMPOUR, ARASH The Homampour Law Firm, Sherman Oaks KELLER, JENNIFER L. • Ranked Number One • Keller/Anderle, Irvine MINDEL, STEVEN A. Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles PANISH, BRIAN J. • Ranked Number Two • Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles PHILLIPS, STACY D. Blank Rome, Los Angeles ROBINSON, JR., MARK P. Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach
Dordick, Gary A., Dordick, Beverly Hills
Panish, Brian J., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Ebelhar, Melinda W., Benedon & Serlin, Woodland Hills
Pasich, Kirk, Pasich, Los Angeles
Ellis, Andrew, Ellis Law, El Segundo
Phillips, Mark J., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Esner, Stuart B., Esner Chang & Boyer, Pasadena
Phillips, Stacy D., Blank Rome, Los Angeles
Ezra, David B., Berger Kahn, Irvine
Pine, Norman, Pine Tillett Pine, Sherman Oaks
Feinberg, Irwin B., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles
Pocrass, James L., Pocrass & De Los Reyes, Los Angeles
Fenton, Henry, Fenton Law Group, Los Angeles Fleischman, Steven S., Horvitz & Levy, Burbank Fraigun, Marina Kats, Fraigun Law Group, Sherman Oaks Friedman, Andrew H., Helmer Friedman, Beverly Hills Glaser, Patricia L., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles Gluck, Benjamin N., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Popovich, Jerry C., Selman Breitman, Santa Ana Quigley, Mark T., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica Rahn, Scott E., RMO, Los Angeles Ravipudi, Rahul, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Reeder, Christopher S., CSReeder, Los Angeles Reisner, Jeffrey M., Steptoe & Johnson, Los Angeles Ring, David M., Taylor & Ring, Manhattan Beach
Goldberg, Barry P., Barry P. Goldberg, Woodland Hills
Robinson, Jr., Mark P., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach
Gorin, Dmitry, Eisner Gorin, Los Angeles
Rothschild, Kristi D., Rothschild & Alwill, Santa Barbara
Gurnick, David, Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Rozansky, Nicholas A., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Harrison, Genie, Genie Harrison Law Firm, Los Angeles Heimberg, Steven A., Heimberg Barr, Los Angeles
Russ, Larry C., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Hinojosa, Lynard C., Hinojosa & Forer, Los Angeles
Ruttenberg, Kenneth G., The Ruttenberg Law Firm, Los Angeles
Homampour, Arash, The Homampour Law Firm, Sherman Oaks
Savitt, Linda Miller, Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, Encino
Hueston, John C., Hueston Hennigan, Newport Beach
Selman, Neil, Selman Breitman, Los Angeles
Iser, Lawrence Y., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Serlin, Gerald M., Benedon & Serlin, Woodland Hills
Johnson, Neville L., Johnson & Johnson, Beverly Hills
Shapiro, William D., Law Offices of William D. Shapiro, San Bernardino
Kazerounian, Abbas, Kazerouni Law Group, Costa Mesa Keller, Jennifer L., Keller/Anderle, Irvine
Shegerian, Carney, Shegerian & Associates, Santa Monica Shore, Sussan H., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Aarons, Martin I., The Aarons Law Firm, Encino
Kiesel, Paul R., Kiesel Law, Beverly Hills
Abell, Nancy L., Paul Hastings, Los Angeles
Klee, Kenneth N., KTBS Law, Los Angeles
Alder, Michael, AlderLaw, Los Angeles
Klein, Gerald A., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach
Alexander, III, J. Bernard, Alexander Morrison + Fehr, Los Angeles
Kobulnick, Jeffrey, Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Solarz, Neil, Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Bentley, Gregory L., Bentley & More, Newport Beach
Lallande, M. Lawrence, Lallande Law, Long Beach
Bidart, Michael J., Shernoff Bidart Echeverria, Claremont
Spagnoli, Christine D., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica
Lange, Joseph, Lange, El Segundo
Boyer, Holly N., Esner Chang & Boyer, Pasadena
Ledahl, Brian D., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Boyle, Kevin R., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Lira, David R., Johnston Hutchinson & Lira, Los Angeles
Brandt, Robert C., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles
Lucas, Spencer, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Broillet, Bruce A., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica
MacIsaac, Suann C., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Brutzkus, Mark D., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Matthai, Edith R., Robie & Matthai, Los Angeles
Simon, Brad M., The Simon Law Group, Santa Ana Simon, Robert T., The Simon Law Group, Hermosa Beach Smith, Jill L., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles
Sun, Brian A., Jones Day, Los Angeles Susolik, Edward, Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana Taylor, John C., Taylor & Ring, Manhattan Beach Tuchin, Michael L., KTBS Law, Los Angeles Vanni, Gregory R., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena Waller, Marshall, Feinberg & Waller, Calabasas
Callahan, Daniel J., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana
Mindel, Steven A., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles
Walzer, Peter M., Walzer Melcher, Woodland Hills
Callahan, Kevin K., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena
Minyard, Mark E., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach
Weber, Corey R., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Carico, Christopher D., Carico Macdonald Kil & Benz, El Segundo
More, Keith P., Bentley & More, Newport Beach Neumann, Martin A., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Chu, Morgan, Irell & Manella, Los Angeles
Olan, David R., Olan Law, Santa Monica
deRubertis, David M., The deRubertis Law Firm, Studio City
Oncidi, Anthony J., Proskauer Rose, Los Angeles
DeSimone, V. James, V. James DeSimone Law, Marina Del Rey
Pachulski, Richard M., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
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Wells, Geoffrey S., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica West, Michelle M., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach Wilson, Mark B., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach Zipser, Dean J., Umberg Zipser, Irvine
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
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SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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TOP 50 WOMEN
AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE WOMEN LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.
Abell, Nancy L., Paul Hastings, Los Angeles
Hanna, Mona Z., Michelman & Robinson, Irvine
Barnett, Stephanie M., Barnett Law Group, Los Angeles
Harrison, Genie, Genie Harrison Law Firm, Los Angeles
Bishop, Leah M., Loeb & Loeb, Los Angeles
Keller, Jennifer L., Keller/Anderle, Irvine
Bohen, Mary Catherine M., Law Offices of Mary Catherine M. Bohen, Los Angeles
Lee, Irene Y., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Savitt, Linda Miller, Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, Encino
Levine, Janet I., Kendall Brill & Kelly, Los Angeles
Sedrish, Laura Frank, Jacoby & Meyers, Los Angeles
Lodise, Margaret G., Sacks Glazier Franklin & Lodise, Los Angeles
Shear, Leslie Ellen, Law Office of Leslie Ellen Shear, Encino
Brill, Laura W., Kendall Brill & Kelly, Los Angeles Bryan, Sharon A., Moore Bryan Schroff & Inoue, Torrance
Ly, Geraldine, Law Office of Geraldine Ly, Santa Ana
Smith, Jill L., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles
Carlo, Candace, Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles
MacIsaac, Suann C., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Sokol, Robyn B., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Coleman, Christina M., Law Offices of Christina M. Coleman, Los Angeles
Masry, Louanne, Masry Law Firm, Westlake Village
Spagnoli, Christine D., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica
Boyer, Holly N., Esner Chang & Boyer, Pasadena
Cox, Cynthia R., Cox Law Group, Torrance Cuddy, Christine S., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles Ebelhar, Melinda W., Benedon & Serlin, Woodland Hills Fraigun, Marina Kats, Fraigun Law Group, Sherman Oaks
Matthai, Edith R., Robie & Matthai, Los Angeles McGaughey, Erin, McGaughey & Spirito, Redondo Beach
Rickert, Kelly Chang, Law and Mediation Office of Kelly Chang, Pasadena Rothschild, Kristi D., Rothschild & Alwill, Santa Barbara
Shore, Sussan H., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Teren, Pam, Teren Law, Redondo Beach Valentine, Kimberly, Valentine Law Group, Mission Viejo
Meyer, Lisa Helfend, Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles
Wasser, Laura A., Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles
Murawski, Roberta L., Law Office of Roberta L. Murawski, Los Angeles
West, Michelle M., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach
Nielsen, Caren R., Rodnunsky & Associates, Woodland Hills
Whyte, Nicole, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara, Newport Beach
Fresch, Elaine K., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles Glaser, Patricia L., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles Perrochet, Lisa, Horvitz & Levy, Burbank
Wright, Lauriann, Wright Kim Douglas, Glendale
Gonzalez, Jamie N., Oldman Cooley Sallus Birnberg Coleman & Gold, Encino
Phillips, Stacy D., Blank Rome, Los Angeles
Zitser, Diana P., Zitser Family Law Group, Los Angeles
Grebe, Sibylle, The Probate House, Torrance
Ramey, Christa Haggai, Ramey Law, Los Angeles
Chicago • Cincinna • Fort Lauderdale • Houston • Los Angeles • New York • Philadelphia • Pi sburgh • Princeton • San Francisco • Shanghai • Tampa • Washington • Wilmington
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ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
TOP 10
TOP 100
Steven A. Mindel
Irwin B. Feinberg Robert C. Brandt
Steven A. Mindel Robert C. Brandt Irwin B. Feinberg Ronald W. Anteau
Wallace S. Fingerett Jeremy B. Kline
FEINBERG, MINDEL, BRANDT & KLEIN, LLP FAMILY LAWYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY
Family & Divorce Law | Estate Planning | Probate & Trust Litigation | Civil Litigation | (310) 447-8675 | fmbklaw.com
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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TOP 50 ORANGE COUNTY
AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.
Seastrom, Brian, Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, Newport Beach
Barnett, John, Law Office of John D. Barnett, Orange
Hodel, Matthew A., Hodel Wilks, Irvine
Bentley, Gregory L., Bentley & More, Newport Beach
Hodes, Daniel Martin, Hodes Milman, Irvine
Brown, Matt, Brown & Streza, Irvine
Hollander, Garrick A., Winthrop Golubow Hollander, Newport Beach
Seastrom, Philip G., Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, Newport Beach
Hueston, John C., Hueston Hennigan, Newport Beach
Simon, Brad M., The Simon Law Group, Santa Ana
Bruno, Keith J., Bruno | Nalu, Irvine Burke, Sean M., Burke | Argos, Irvine Johnson, Casey R., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana
Simon, Craig S., Berger Kahn, Irvine
Burkhalter, Alton G., Burkhalter Kessler Clement & George, Irvine
Kazerounian, Abbas, Kazerouni Law Group, Costa Mesa
Sugden, David, Call & Jensen, Newport Beach
Callahan, Daniel J., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana
Keller, Jennifer L., Keller/Anderle, Irvine
Cowhig, John S., Law Offices of John S. Cowhig, Irvine
Kessler, Daniel J., Burkhalter Kessler Clement & George, Irvine
Susolik, Edward, Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana Theodora, Todd C., Theodora Oringher, Costa Mesa
Dillion, Gregory L., Newmeyer Dillion, Newport Beach Klein, Gerald A., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach Djang, Caroline R., Best Best & Krieger, Irvine Ly, Geraldine, Law Office of Geraldine Ly, Santa Ana Dwork, Jonathan, Law Offices of Jonathan Dwork, Irvine Milman, Jeffrey A., Hodes Milman, Irvine Ezra, David B., Berger Kahn, Irvine
Tuttle, Thomas W., Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, Newport Beach Valentine, Kimberly, Valentine Law Group, Mission Viejo
Minyard, Mark E., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach
West, Michelle M., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach
More, Keith P., Bentley & More, Newport Beach
Whyte, Nicole, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara, Newport Beach
Friedland, Todd G., Stephens Friedland, Costa Mesa Gibson, Robert B., Gibson & Hughes, Santa Ana Morris, Michael A., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach Golden, Jeffrey I., Weiland Golden Goodrich, Costa Mesa Parke, James R., Holstrom Block & Parke, Newport Beach
Wilson, Mark B., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach
Golubow, Richard H., Winthrop Golubow Hollander, Newport Beach
Popovich, Jerry C., Selman Breitman, Santa Ana
Yoder, Michael G., O'Melveny & Myers, Newport Beach
Gross, Wayne R., Greenberg Gross, Costa Mesa
Robinson, Daniel S., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach
Zipser, Dean J., Umberg Zipser, Irvine
Hanna, Mona Z., Michelman & Robinson, Irvine
Robinson, Jr., Mark P., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach
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ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
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SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Administrative Law ....................................... S-14 Alternative Dispute Resolution .................... S-14 Animal Law.....................................................S-16 Antitrust Litigation .........................................S-16 Appellate ........................................................S-16 Aviation & Aerospace .....................................S-16 Banking...........................................................S-16 Bankruptcy: Business .....................................S-16 Bankruptcy: Consumer.................................. S-18 Business Litigation ........................................ S-18 Business/Corporate .......................................S-21 Cannabis Law ................................................S-22 Civil Litigation: Defense ................................S-22 Civil Litigation: Plaintiff .................................S-22 Civil Rights .....................................................S-22 Class Action/Mass Torts ............................... S-23 Closely Held Business ................................... S-23 Constitutional Law ........................................ S-23 Construction Litigation ................................. S-23 Consumer Law...............................................S-24 Creditor Debtor Rights ..................................S-24 Criminal Defense ...........................................S-24 Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI..........................S-25 Criminal Defense: White Collar ....................S-25 Elder Law .......................................................S-25 Eminent Domain ...........................................S-26 Employee Benefits.........................................S-26 Employment & Labor ....................................S-26 Employment Litigation: Defense ..................S-28 Employment Litigation: Plaintiff ..................S-28 Energy & Natural Resources .........................S-29 Entertainment & Sports ................................S-29 Environmental ...............................................S-30 Environmental Litigation ...............................S-31 Estate & Trust Litigation ................................S-31 Estate Planning & Probate ............................S-31 Family Law..................................................... S-32 Franchise/Dealership ...................................S-36 Gaming ..........................................................S-36 General Litigation..........................................S-36 Government Finance .....................................S-36 Health Care....................................................S-36 Immigration ................................................... S-37 Insurance Coverage....................................... S-37 Intellectual Property .....................................S-38 Intellectual Property Litigation.....................S-38 International ..................................................S-39 Land Use/Zoning ..........................................S-39 Legal Aid/Pro Bono.......................................S-39 Media & Advertising ......................................S-40 Mergers & Acquisitions .................................S-40 Nonprofit Organizations ..............................S-40 Personal Injury General: Defense .................S-40 Personal Injury General: Plaintiff..................S-40 Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense .......................................................S-42 Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff .......................................................S-43 Personal Injury Products: Defense ...............S-43 Personal Injury Products: Plaintiff ................S-43 Professional Liability: Defense .....................S-43 Professional Liability: Plaintiff ......................S-43 Real Estate ....................................................S-44 Schools & Education .....................................S-45 Securities & Corporate Finance ....................S-45 Securities Litigation.......................................S-45 Social Security Disability ...............................S-45 State, Local & Municipal ...............................S-45 Surety .............................................................S-45 Tax..................................................................S-45 Technology Transactions ..............................S-46 Transportation/Maritime ..............................S-46 Workers’ Compensation................................S-46
THE ANNUAL LIST BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE
Knight, Kelly A., Kelly A. Knight Mediation, Los Angeles
The list was finalized as of July 1, 2020. Only attorneys who data verified with Super Lawyers for the current year are included on the list that follows. All current selections and any updates to the list (e.g., status changes or disqualifying events) will be reflected on superlawyers.com.
Kramer, Wendy W., ADR Services, Los Angeles
Names and page numbers in RED indicate a profile on the specified page. Phone numbers are included only for attorneys with paid Super Lawyers or Rising Stars print advertisements.
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Krivis, Jeffrey, Mediation, Encino Kuhn, Steven, Judicate West, Santa Ana Kyriacou, Gig, Kyriacou Mediation, Burbank LaBelle, Lance, ADR Services, Irvine LaMothe, Louise A., Louise A. LaMothe, Santa Barbara Lawler, Jean M., Lawler ADR Services, El Segundo
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW Harris, Scott J., S J Harris Law, Beverly Hills Kollar, Linda Randlett, Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Levene, David W., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-892-7462 Pg. S-3 Levy, Leonard, ADR Services, Los Angeles Madigan, Denise, MadiganADR, Los Angeles
Osinoff, Peter R., Bonne Bridges Mueller O’Keefe & Nichols, Los Angeles
Marks, Leslie Steven, Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Saltsman, Ralph B., Solomon Saltsman & Jamieson, Los Angeles
Mehta, Steven G., Mediation Offices of Steven G. Mehta, Stevenson Ranch
Talmo, Ronald, Law Office of Ronald Talmo, Santa Ana
Miller, Howard, JAMS, Los Angeles
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Akasaka, Ron, SMART ADR, Los Angeles, 310-504-3600 Baer, Mark, Mark B. Baer Inc., Pasadena Barr, Eleanor, Barr Mediation, Sherman Oaks Bassis, Lynne Susan, ADR Services, Los Angeles Cerveris, Steve, Cerveris Mediation, Burbank Chernick, Richard, JAMS, Los Angeles Coviello, Robert D., ADR Services, Irvine Cronin, Frank, ADR Services, Laguna Beach Derin, Greg David, Signature Resolution, Los Angeles Even, Randolph, ADR Services, Los Angeles Fairbank, Robert H., Fairbank ADR, Los Angeles Friedman, Alan, Friedman Dispute Resolution (FDR), Marina del Rey
Moscovitch, Eugene C., Judicate West, Los Angeles Page, Christine, Page Dispute Resolution, Los Angeles Paul, Steven, Mediation Services, Beverly Hills Pearl, Steven G., Steve Pearl Mediation, Tarzana Rabin, Byron, Judicate West, Santa Ana Reddock-Wright, Angela J., The Reddock Law Group, Los Angeles Reinglass, Michelle A., ADR Office of Michelle A. Reinglass and Judicate West, Aliso Viejo Rios, Delilah Knox, Attorney at Law, Diamond Bar, 909-598-3747
DELILAH KNOX RIOS DELILAH KNOX RIOS, ATTORNEY AT LAW, APLC Diamond Bar • 909-598-3747
www.dkriosfamilylaw.com
Rosenberg, George, ADR Services, Los Angeles Rothman, Deborah J., Mediator Arbitrator and Arbitration Consultant, Los Angeles
Gibbs, Kenneth C., JAMS, Los Angeles
Rottman, Steven J., Rottman Mediation, Beverly Hills
Gray, Geoffrey, Gray Mediation, Laguna Niguel
Sankary, Myer J., Myer J. Sankary, Studio City
Grossman, Joel M., JAMS, Los Angeles
Saxe, Deborah C., JAMS, Los Angeles
Gumport, Leonard L., Gumport Law Firm, Pasadena, 626-432-7283 Pg. S-49
Schau, Jan Frankel, ADR Services, Los Angeles
Hemminger, Pamela L., Law Offices of Pamela L. Hemminger, La Cañada Flintridge
Sotomayor, Rande S., Sotomayor Law, La Canada
Solomon, Amy Fisch, Judicate West, Los Angeles
Horowitz, Fredric R., Arbitrator, Santa Monica
Tessier, Robert, Judicate West, Los Angeles
Hosp, F. Phillip, Hosp Mediation Services, Pasadena, 626-683-5443
Title, Gail Migdal, ADR Services, Los Angeles
F. PHILLIP HOSP HOSP MEDIATION SERVICES Pasadena • 626-683-5443
www.hospmediation.com Isaacs, Bruce A., Signature Resolution, Los Angeles Kessler, Joan B., JAMS, Los Angeles
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Kichaven, Jeff, Commercial Mediation, Los Angeles
Wagner, Eve H., Signature Resolution, Los Angeles Wagner, John Leo, Judicate West, Santa Ana Weiss, Andrew R., Andrew R. Weiss Law Corp., Pismo Beach Wolfram, Michael L., Wolfram Workplace Law, Camarillo CONTINUED ON PAGE S-16
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
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Matthew J. Matern
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-15
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CONT’D FROM PAGE S-14
Cushman, Dawn, Bradley & Gmelich, Glendale, 818-243-5200
Young, Michael D., Judicate West, Los Angeles
Dato, Robert M., Buchalter, Irvine
Serlin, Gerald M., Benedon & Serlin, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8
Zadeh, Mariam, Mediation, Encino
Davenport, Scott Wm., Manning & Kass Ellrod Ramirez Trester, Los Angeles
Smith, Gregory R., Lowenstein & Weatherwax, Los Angeles
Dodd, John L., John L. Dodd and Associates, Tustin
Stevens, Steven B., Steven B. Stevens, Los Angeles
Dunn, Jr., E. Thomas, Law Offices of E. Thomas Dunn Jr., Tustin
Xanders, Edward (Ted), Greines Martin Stein & Richland, Los Angeles
ANIMAL LAW Montevideo, John Michael, Montevideo Law dba Dog Bite Law Group, Irvine
ANTITRUST LITIGATION
Ebelhar, Melinda W., Benedon & Serlin, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8, S-10 Ehrlich, Jeffrey I., The Ehrlich Law Firm, Claremont
Schaeffer, Mark, Nemecek & Cole, Encino
AVIATION & AEROSPACE
Brantly, Amy T., Kesselman Brantly Stockinger, Manhattan Beach
Ellis, Gregory, Law Offices of Gregory R. Ellis, Pasadena, 626-683-9655
Akbari, A. Ilyas, Wilshire Law Firm, Los Angeles, 213-381-9988 Pg. S-13
Caseria, Leo, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Esner, Stuart B., Esner Chang & Boyer, Pasadena Pg. S-8
Aubert, Garth W., Fitzpatrick & Hunt Pagano Aubert, Los Angeles
Gates, Sean P., Charis Lex, Pasadena
Evanson, Blaine H., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Irvine
Bailey, Patrick E., Bailey & Partners, Los Angeles
Kesselman, David W., Kesselman Brantly Stockinger, Manhattan Beach Pepperman, Donald R., Baker Marquart, Los Angeles Reichline, Cindy, Strange & Butler, Los Angeles Rosenzweig, Yonaton, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles Stockinger, Trevor, Kesselman Brantly Stockinger, Manhattan Beach Swanson, Daniel G., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
APPELLATE Adelstein, Bruce, Law Offices of Bruce Adelstein, Encino Adlai, Tarik S., Law Office of Tarik S. Adlai, Pasadena
Fischer, Dennis A., Law Offices of Dennis A. Fischer, Santa Monica Fleischman, Steven S., Horvitz & Levy, Burbank Pg. S-8 Freeman, Thomas R., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Fuller, Marjorie G., Law Offices of Marjorie G. Fuller, Santa Ana Gerstein, Robert S., Law Office of Robert S. Gerstein, Santa Monica Gressley, Lara J., Bartell Hensel & Gressley, Riverside Hart, Mark A., Attorney at Law, Northridge Heinke, Rex, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Los Angeles Hobbs, Rachel E., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles
Boladian, Vicky, Aerlex Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-392-5200 Pg. S-4 Goldman, Ronald L.M., Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, Los Angeles Hofer, Stephen R., Aerlex Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-392-5200 Pg. S-4 Loranger, Timothy, Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, Los Angeles Pascotto, Alvaro, Law Offices of Alvaro Pascotto, Los Angeles Terhar, Michael J., Cunningham Swaim, Pasadena
BANKING Greene, Kenneth, Law Office of Kenneth Charles Greene, Westlake Village
Kraut, Nate G., Law Offices of Nate G. Kraut, Sherman Oaks
Jung, Curtis C., Jung & Yuen, Pasadena, 213-689-8880
Lalezari, Babak, Redefine Law Firm, Los Angeles
Kaminski, David J., Carlson & Messer, Los Angeles
Lascher, Wendy Cole, Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, Ventura
Montgomery, Cromwell R., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Bahar, Sarvenaz, Bahar Law Office, Los Angeles
Lerman, L. Rachel, Barnes & Thornburg, Los Angeles
Strickland, Julia B., Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, Los Angeles
Barer, Daniel, Pollak Vida & Barer, Los Angeles
Lewis, Jeffrey, Jeff Lewis Law, Rolling Hills Estates
Barrow, Brian P., Bartlett Barrow, Pasadena
LippSmith, Marybeth, LippSmith Law, Los Angeles
Amado, Honey Kessler, Attorney at Law, Beverly Hills Arfa, Fay, Fay Arfa, Los Angeles Azadian, James S., Dykema Gossett, Los Angeles
Benedon, Douglas G., Benedon & Serlin, Woodland Hills
Nakamura Jr., Richard H., Clark Hill, Los Angeles
Bennett, Catherine E., Klein DeNatale Goldner, Bakersfield
Olson, Robert A., Greines Martin Stein & Richland, Los Angeles
Boutrous, Jr., Theodore J., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Pedroza, Kenneth R., Cole Pedroza, San Marino
BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS Andrassy, Kyra E., Smiley Wang-Ekvall, Costa Mesa Arnold, Todd M., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Perrochet, Lisa, Horvitz & Levy, Burbank Pg. S-10
Avery, Wesley H., Law Offices of Wesley H. Avery, Pasadena
Peters, Gerald Philip, Law Office of Gerald Philip Peters, Thousand Oaks
Barbarosh, Craig A., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Irvine
Pierce, T. Peter, Richards Watson & Gershon, Los Angeles
Casparian, Thomas W., Cozen O’Connor, Santa Monica
Bender, Ron, Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Pine, Beverly, Pine Tillett Pine, Sherman Oaks
Blumenfeld, Ori S., Margulies Faith, Encino
Chamberlain, II, Harry W.R., Buchalter, Los Angeles
Pine, Norman, Pine Tillett Pine, Sherman Oaks Pg. S-8
Bogdanoff, Lee R., KTBS Law, Los Angeles
Clark, Meghan B., Clark*Everson, Westlake Village
Poon, Julian W., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Boyer, Holly N., Esner Chang & Boyer, Pasadena Pg. S-8, S-10 Brill, Laura W., Kendall Brill & Kelly, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Coates, Timothy T., Greines Martin Stein & Richland, Los Angeles Cohen, Gary J., Gary J. Cohen, Los Angeles Cole, Curtis A., Cole Pedroza, San Marino
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Poster, Marc J., Greines Martin Stein & Richland, Los Angeles Ribet, Claudia, California Appellate Law Group, Los Angeles
Bovitz, J. Scott, Bovitz & Spitzer, Los Angeles Brill, Martin J., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Brody, William S., Buchalter, Los Angeles Brunette, Jr., Richard W., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Burd, William, Ringstad & Sanders, Newport Beach
Kapur, Teddy M., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Burstein, Richard D., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Karasik, Eve H., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Bussel, Daniel J., KTBS Law, Los Angeles
Katzman, Steven, Bienert | Katzman, Los Angeles
Caine, Andrew W., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Kharasch, Ira D., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Camhi, Howard I., Michelman & Robinson, Los Angeles
Klausner, Gary E., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Cantor, Linda F., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Klee, Kenneth N., KTBS Law, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Casey, Thomas, The Law Offices of Thomas H. Casey, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949-766-8787
Kohanski, Joseph A., Bush Gottlieb, Glendale Krause, Jeffrey C., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Krieger, Jeffrey A., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Landsberg, Ian S., Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles Lesnick, Matthew A., Lesnick Prince & Pappas, Los Angeles Lev, Daniel A., SulmeyerKupetz, Los Angeles
Klyman, Robert A., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-18
Chenetz, Sara L., Perkins Coie, Los Angeles Cho, Shirley S., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Cohen, Leslie A., Leslie Cohen Law, Santa Monica Davidoff, Brian L., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Davidson, Jeffrey H., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Diamond, Richard K., Danning Gill Israel & Krasnoff, Los Angeles Djang, Caroline R., Best Best & Krieger, Irvine Pg. S-12 Dulberg, Jeffrey W., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Ehrenberg, Howard M., SulmeyerKupetz, Los Angeles Faith, Jeremy W., Margulies Faith, Encino Fidler, David A., KTBS Law, Los Angeles Flahaut, M. Douglas, Arent Fox, Los Angeles Fritz, John-Patrick M., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Garza, Oscar, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Irvine Gautier, Scott F., Robins Kaplan, Los Angeles Geher, Thomas M., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Gilhuly, Peter M., Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles Glaser, Barry S., Lamb & Kawakami, Los Angeles Glazer, Gabriel, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Golden, Jeffrey I., Weiland Golden Goodrich, Costa Mesa Pg. S-12 Golubchik, David B., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Golubow, Richard H., Winthrop Golubow Hollander, Newport Beach Pg. S-12 Goodrich, David M., Weiland Golden Goodrich, Costa Mesa Gottfried, Michael I., Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside, Los Angeles Gubner, Steven T., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
the
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY with
heart
When an injury knocks someone down, they need an attorney to stand up for them. For more than 30 years, that is exactly what Robert Mansell has done. “We are the LA firm accident victims turn to for help,” says Mansell. “We are experienced, compassionate and very tough.” Leading a top-tier team of attorneys, Mansell has recovered millions for people who have suffered serious injuries from auto/truck/bike accidents and defective products and for the families of wrongful death victims. “We’re here for our clients, inside and outside the courtroom,” he says. “You could say that we are the personal injury victim’s best friend.”
SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS
Hays, D. Edward, Marshack Hays, Irvine
1645 N. Vine St., Suite 306 Los Angeles, CA 90028 PH: (323) 466-4900 FX: (323) 466-4999
Hollander, Garrick A., Winthrop Golubow Hollander, Newport Beach Pg. S-12
mansell-law.com
Guess, David M., Greenberg Traurig, Irvine Haberbush, David, Haberbush, Long Beach
Jazayeri, Peter F., Jaz, Los Angeles SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-17
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-17
Stang, James I., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Alverson, David S., Lesnick Prince & Pappas, Los Angeles
Lianides, Peter W., Winthrop Golubow Hollander, Newport Beach
Steinberg, Howard J., Greenberg Traurig, Los Angeles
Amir, Michael M., Doll Amir & Eley, Los Angeles
Lobel, William N., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Costa Mesa
Tuchin, Michael L., KTBS Law, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Malo, Aaron J., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Costa Mesa
Wall, William J., The Wall Law Office, Irvine
March, Kathleen P., The Bankruptcy Law Firm, Los Angeles Margulies, Craig G., Margulies Faith, Encino Marticello, Robert S., Smiley Wang-Ekvall, Costa Mesa
Anderle, Kay, Keller/Anderle, Irvine, 949-476-8700 Anderson, Bret G., Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, Westlake Village
Wang Ekvall, Lei Lei, Smiley Wang-Ekvall, Costa Mesa
Andrade, Sean A., Andrade Gonzalez, Los Angeles
Weber, Corey R., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8
Baker, Scott L., Baker & Associates, Los Angeles
Webster, Pamela Kohlman, Buchalter, Los Angeles
Ardebili, Hajir, Skiermont Derby, Los Angeles Barilich, Susan, Susan Barilich, Glendale, 818-500-0377
Weg, Howard J., HJW Advisor, Los Angeles
McCarthy, Daniel J., Hill Farrer & Burrill, Los Angeles
Battaglia, David A., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Weinstein, David R., Weinstein Law Firm, Encino
Bauducco, Paul C., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Merola, Frank A., Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, Los Angeles
Weintraub, Daniel J., Weintraub & Selth, Los Angeles
Beaudoin, Wayne E., Beaudoin & Krause-Leemon, Sherman Oaks
Miller, Elissa D., SulmeyerKupetz, Los Angeles
Welsh, Leonard, Law Offices of Leonard K. Welsh, Bakersfield
Beitchman, David, Beitchman & Zekian, Encino
Mastan, Peter J., Dinsmore & Shohl, Los Angeles
Nassiri, Jennifer L., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Neale, David L., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Oh, Juliet Y., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 O’Keefe, Sean A., O’Keefe & Associates Law Corp., Irvine Pachulski, Isaac M., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Pachulski, Richard M., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Pagay, Carmela T., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Pagay, Malhar S., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Phelps, Kathy Bazoian, Diamond McCarthy, Los Angeles Poitras, David M., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Pomerantz, Jason S., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Pomerantz, Jeffrey N., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Raanan, Uzzi, Danning Gill Israel & Krasnoff, Los Angeles Ramlo, Kurt, Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Ramsaur, Brett, Ramsaur Law Office, Laguna Hills Reisner, Jeffrey M., Steptoe & Johnson, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Reiss, Daniel H., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3 Richards, Jeremy V., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Winfield, William E., Nelson Comis Kettle & Kinney, Oxnard
Ben-Shahar Mayer, Sharon, Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Wolkowitz, Edward M., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Berman, Bruce A., The Berman Law Firm, Los Angeles
Yoo, Timothy J., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Berman, Daniel A., Wood Smith Henning & Berman, Los Angeles
Young, Beth Ann R., Levene Neale Bender Yoo & Brill, Los Angeles, 310-229-1234 Pg. S-3
Bertram, Christy L., Johnson & Bertram, Mission Viejo
BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER
Bouton, Todd C., Call & Jensen, Newport Beach
Brand, Don, The Brand Law Firm Corporation, Irvine
Bowerbank, John E., Garcia Rainey Blank & Bowerbank, Costa Mesa
Clark, M. Erik, Borowitz & Clark, West Covina
Boxer, Joel E., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Ghanooni, Eliza, Ghanooni Law Firm, Los Angeles Hagen, Jeffrey J, Hagen & Hagen, Woodland Hills Havkin, Stella, Havkin & Shrago, Woodland Hills Hayes, M. Jonathan, Resnik Hayes Moradi, Encino Heston, Richard G., Heston & Heston, Irvine Raichelson, Michael H., Law Offices of Michael H. Raichelson, Calabasas Selth, James, Weintraub & Selth, Los Angeles
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Bright, James S., Bright and Brown, Glendale Brown, Gregory G., Brown & Charbonneau, Irvine Bubman, Michael E., Mirman Bubman & Nahmias, Woodland Hills
Wishman, Jeffrey N., Bayer Wishman & Leotta, Los Angeles
Burgess, James M., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
BUSINESS LITIGATION Abdollahi, Panteha, Theodora Oringher, Costa Mesa Abel, Joshua, Abel Law Offices, Irvine Affeld, David W., Affeld Grivakes, Los Angeles
S-18
Brecht, Celeste Marie, Venable, Los Angeles
Buffington, Roger, Buffington Law Firm, Fountain Valley
Saunders, Robert, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Sokol, Robyn B., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Pg. S-10
Bradley, Barry A., Bradley & Gmelich, Glendale, 818-243-5200
Tenina, Alla, Tenina Law, Sherman Oaks
Adli, Kavon, The Internet Law Group, Beverly Hills
Shenson, Jonathan, Shenson Law Group, Los Angeles
Booth, Jason M., Booth, Los Angeles
Borowitz, Barry E., Borowitz & Clark, West Covina
Sahn, Victor A., SulmeyerKupetz, Los Angeles
Schlecter, Daren M., Law Offices of Daren M. Schlecter, Los Angeles
Bonavida, Alain, Law Offices of Alain V. Bonavida, Beverly Hills
Ainsworth, Cheryl Priest, Theodora Oringher, Los Angeles Aitken, Darren, Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana Akrotirianakis, Joseph N., King & Spalding, Los Angeles Aljian, Reed, Daily Aljian, Newport Beach
Burkhalter, Alton G., Burkhalter Kessler Clement & George, Irvine, 949-975-7500 Pg. S-12 Buus, William L., Schiffer Buus, Costa Mesa Cafferata, Diane L., Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Los Angeles Caldwell, Christopher G., Caldwell Hammer, Los Angeles Callahan, Daniel J., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444 Pg. S-8, S-12 Cameron, Parry G., The Cameron Law Firm, Los Angeles Campillo, Ralph A., Mintz, Los Angeles Carr, Scott H., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Casamassima, Christopher T., Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, Los Angeles
Darnell, David J., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444
Case, Michael, Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, Ventura
Daucher, Brian M., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Costa Mesa
Chairez, Joseph L., Baker & Hostetler, Costa Mesa
David, Henry S., The David Firm(R), Los Angeles
Chan, Paul S., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Delman, Dana, Delman Vukmanovic, Los Angeles
Chang, Cheryl S., Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3472 Pg. S-10 Chang, Cyndie, Duane Morris, Los Angeles Chapman, William, Law Offices of William D. Chapman, Irvine Chu, Morgan, Irell & Manella, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Chung, Kenneth W., Kring & Chung, Irvine Cohen, Amy M., Cohen Law, Valencia Coleman, Jeffrey A., The Coleman Firm, Newport Beach Conn, Bernice, Robins Kaplan, Los Angeles Cook, Philip E., The Cook Law Firm, Los Angeles Correll, Michelle J., Correll Law, Los Angeles Coyne, Jr., Joseph F., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Cramer, Mark T., Buchalter, Los Angeles Cumming, William, Cumming & Associates, Costa Mesa Daily, Justin E. D., Daily Aljian, Newport Beach D’Arcy, Patrick J., Patrick J. D’Arcy, Irvine
Fayer, Gregory, Fayer Gipson, Los Angeles Feinberg, Irwin B., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-8, S-11 Finch, Brent M., Finch Tetzlaff, Calabasas Fine, Paul R., Daniels Fine Israel Schonbuch & Lebovits, Los Angeles Fletcher, Matthew J., Connor Fletcher & Hedenkamp, Irvine
Derby, Paul B., Skiermont Derby, Los Angeles Dillion, Gregory L., Newmeyer Dillion, Newport Beach Pg. S-12
Forman, Dan M., CDF Labor Law, Los Angeles
Dillman, Kirk D., McKool Smith Hennigan, Los Angeles
Freedman, Jerry, Jerry L. Freedman, Westlake Village
Dresie, Lee A., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Friedberg, Jerome H., Isaacs | Friedberg, Los Angeles
Drooks, Mark T., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Early, Eric P., Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, Los Angeles
Friedland, Todd G., Stephens Friedland, Costa Mesa Pg. S-12 Fugate, Jeanne A., King & Spalding, Los Angeles
Edelman, Scott A., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Gardner, Steven, Steven H. Gardner, Beverly Hills
Edmonson, Will, Law Office of Will Edmonson, West Hollywood
Geibelson, Michael A., Robins Kaplan, Los Angeles
Ellis, Dennis S., Browne George Ross O’Brien Annaguey & Ellis, Los Angeles
George, Eric M., Browne George Ross O’Brien Annaguey & Ellis, Los Angeles
Emhoff, Douglas C., DLA Piper (US), Los Angeles
Gersh, Jeffrey F., Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, Sherman Oaks
Esensten, Robert, Esensten Law, Los Angeles Evangelis, Theane, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Falzetta, Frank, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Geffner, Randi, Esensten Law, Los Angeles
Gessin, Jesse, Jesse Gessin, San Clemente Ghassemian, Mahyar, Ghassemian Law Group, Mission Viejo CONTINUED ON PAGE S-20
THE BUSINESS OF SUCCESS Handling patent, trade secret and business litigation with ingenuity and integrity is the hallmark of this business litigator who has secured millions for his clients. “Success comes from the relentless pursuit of improvement,” says Super Lawyers honoree John R. Walton, who often sits in the courtroom audience to study other lawyers’ closing arguments. “I also read constantly, both about my own subject areas and trial advocacy in general.” Transforming the complex fields of business litigation and intellectual property law into a form that is simple yet still accurate for juries is another skill handled deftly by this litigator who was named among the top-rated lawyers in Southern California by The American Lawyer magazine and recognized for excellence in trial advocacy by the Mayor of Lancaster, California. The Eagle Scout, with degrees from Stanford, Michigan Law School, and Kyoto University, is also fluent in Japanese and frequently represents Japanese clients in California state and federal courts.
John R. Walton WALTON LAW GROUP, P.C. 35 N. Lake Ave., Suite 700, Pasadena, CA 91101 PH: (626) 578-6000 | waltonlawgroup.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-19
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 BUSINESS LITIGATION CONT’D FROM PAGE S-19
Kitchens, Dean J., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Gilbert, James M., Raines Feldman, Los Angeles
Klein, Gerald A., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach Pg. S-8, S-12
Gizer, Scott E., Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, Los Angeles Glaser, Patricia L., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles Pg. S-8, S-10 Gold, Geoffrey M., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills Goodstein, Gary J., Alleguez | Newman | Goodstein, Woodland Hills
Kneafsey, Sean M., The Kneafsey Firm, Los Angeles Komorsky, Jason B., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Kornfeld, Alan J., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles Kozberg, Joel, Kozberg & Bodell, Los Angeles
Murtagh, Paul G., Isaacs | Friedberg, Los Angeles Nelson, Andrew Ryan, Fortis, Costa Mesa Nevers, Gary W., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village Newman, Carol L., Alleguez | Newman | Goodstein, Woodland Hills Nicholson, Guy C., Browne George Ross O’Brien Annaguey & Ellis, Los Angeles Nix, Benjamin A., Payne & Fears, Irvine Novian, Farhad, Novian & Novian, Los Angeles Novicoff, Michael L., Pryor Cashman, Los Angeles
Gottesman, Donald S., Kulik Gottesman Siegel & Ware, Sherman Oaks
Krakowsky, Steven P., Law Offices of Steven P. Krakowsky, Los Angeles
Grant, David C., Grant Genovese & Baratta, Irvine, 949-660-1600
Kuo, Hubert H., Ardent Law Group, Newport Beach
Greenberg, Alan A., Greenberg Gross, Los Angeles
Larson, Stephen G., Larson, Los Angeles
O’Connor, Michael J., Venable, Los Angeles
Greene, Andra B., Irell & Manella, Newport Beach
LeBoff, Michael S., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach
Gross, Wayne R., Greenberg Gross, Costa Mesa Pg. S-12
Lin, David S., Law Offices of David S. Lin, Pasadena, 626-792-9688 Pg. S-50
Odson, Robert, Shumener Odson & Oh, Los Angeles
Grossman, Brian, Tesser | Grossman, Los Angeles, 310-207-4558
Lindahl, George M., Lindahl Beck, Los Angeles
O’Hare, William S., Snell & Wilmer, Costa Mesa
Litvak, William, Dapeer Rosenbilt & Litvak, Los Angeles
O’Neill, William, Ross Wersching & Wolcott, Costa Mesa
Hanna, Mona Z., Michelman & Robinson, Irvine Pg. S-10, S-12
Livingston, Daniel M., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Pacheco, Rod, Pacheco & Neach, Irvine
Loeb, Howard, Howard M. Loeb, Westlake Village
Pettis, James C., Pettis Law Firm, Hermosa Beach
Hawxhurst, Gerald E., Hawxhurst Harris, Los Angeles
Loh, Paul J., Willenken, Los Angeles
Pham, Teri T., Enenstein Pham & Glass, Los Angeles
Hall, Howard D., Hall Griffin, Santa Ana
Hershman, Brian, Jones Day, Los Angeles Herzog, Eric A., Norton Rose Fulbright, Los Angeles Ho, Edward C., Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, Cerritos
Lovell, Tre, The Lovell Firm, Los Angeles Luczon, Diane Myint, Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, Los Angeles Ma, Stephen, Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, Los Angeles
Hodel, Matthew A., Hodel Wilks, Irvine Pg. S-12
Macellaro, Theresa J., The Macellaro Firm, Los Angeles, 310-399-8585 Pg. S-50
Hodges, Ronald S., Goe Forsythe & Hodges, Irvine
Madnick, H. Mark, Kramar Madnick, Los Angeles
Horn, Steven J., Law Offices of Steven J. Horn, Encino
Maloney, Patrick M., The Maloney Firm, El Segundo
Huben, Brian D., Ballard Spahr, Los Angeles
Mancini, Michael V., Mancini Shenk, Los Angeles
Hueston, John C., Hueston Hennigan, Newport Beach Pg. S-8, S-12
Mangels, Robert E., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
Huron, Jeffrey, Dykema Gossett, Los Angeles
Marquart, Jaime W., Baker Marquart, Los Angeles
Isaacs, Jeffrey B., Isaacs | Friedberg, Los Angeles
Martinez, David, Robins Kaplan, Los Angeles
Jimenez, James M., Pacific Business Law Group, Woodland Hills
Mashal, Robin, Century City Law Group, Los Angeles
Oakes, Royal F., Hinshaw & Culbertson, Los Angeles Oberst, Brett H., Doll Amir & Eley, Los Angeles
Oh, Henry H., Shumener Odson & Oh, Los Angeles
Pistone, Thomas A., Pistone Law Group, Irvine Pomerance, Drew E., Roxborough Pomerance Nye & Adreani, Woodland Hills Raucher, Stephen L., Reuben Raucher & Blum, Los Angeles Reagan, Carole E., Umberg Zipser, Irvine Reeder, Christopher S., CSReeder, Los Angeles, 310-861-2470 Pg. S-8 Reichert, Thomas V., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Reuben, Timothy D., Reuben Raucher & Blum, Los Angeles Rhow, Ekwan E., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Ribakoff, David Z., Ribakoff Law Firm, Los Angeles
McFee, Linda C., AIM Law Group, Foothill Ranch
Richman, David S., Law Office of David S. Richman, Encino
McGonigle, Timothy D., Timothy D. McGonigle, Los Angeles
Robinson, David A., Enterprise Counsel Group, Irvine
McNicholas, John P., McNicholas & McNicholas, Los Angeles
Robinson, Gregory, Robinson & Robinson, Irvine
Kanter, Nicholas S., Lewitt Hackman, Encino Kasendorf, Alexander S., Alpert Barr & Grant, Encino
McRae, Marcellus A., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Rohatiner, Marc E., Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Kashfian, Robert A., Kashfian & Kashfian, Century City
Miliband, Joel S., Brown Rudnick, Irvine Monitz, Ronald, Monitz & Walker, Calabasas
Rosen, James R., Rosen Saba, Beverly Hills, 310-285-1727
Morgenthaler, Alisa M., Morgenthaler Law Group, Los Angeles
Rosen, Kevin S., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Most, Peter J., Meylan Davitt Jain Arevian & Kim, Los Angeles
Rosenbaum, Mark J., Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Mouradian, Mhare, Fox Rothschild, Los Angeles
Rozansky, Nicholas A., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8
Johnson, Neville L., Johnson & Johnson, Beverly Hills Pg. S-8 Kabat, Jules L., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Keller, Jennifer L., Keller/Anderle, Irvine, 949-476-8700 Pg. S-8, S-10, S-12 Kessler, Daniel J., Burkhalter Kessler Clement & George, Irvine, 949-975-7500 Pg. S-12 Kim, Andrew F., Kim Riley Law, Northridge Kim, Seong H., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Kinsella, Dale F., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
S-20
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Mower, Jon R., Theodora Oringher, Costa Mesa
Robinson, Jeffrey A., Robinson & Robinson, Irvine
Murphy, Laurie, Valensi Rose, Los Angeles
Rudolph, George Cooper, George C. Rudolph, Irvine
Murphy, Paul D., Murphy Rosen, Santa Monica
Russell, L. David, Russell Law, Manhattan Beach
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Ryu, Francis, Ryu Law Firm, Los Angeles
Umberg, Thomas J., Umberg Zipser, Irvine
Yocca, Mark W., The Yocca Law Firm, Irvine
Saba, Ryan D., Rosen Saba, Beverly Hills, 310-285-1727
Van Oordt, Javier H., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444
Yoder, Michael G., O’Melveny & Myers, Newport Beach Pg. S-12
Sachs, Michael J., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444
Vincent, Thomas L., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Ziehl, Dean A., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Sanders, Justin H., Sanders Roberts, Los Angeles
Vora, Nilay U., The Vora Law Firm, Santa Monica
Sauer, Gerald, Sauer & Wagner, Los Angeles
Wagenseller, Laine T., Wagenseller Law Firm, Los Angeles
Schimmel, Alan I., Schimmel & Parks, Sherman Oaks
Walton, John R., Walton Law Group, Pasadena, 626-578-6000 Pg. S-19
Schmalz, Kurt L., Lurie Zepeda Schmalz Hogan & Martin, Los Angeles
Weiner, Joel R., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles
Schwimer, Michael, Schwimer Weinstein, Santa Monica
Weingarten, Alex M., Venable, Los Angeles
Zipser, Dean J., Umberg Zipser, Irvine Pg. S-8, S-12
BUSINESS/CORPORATE Adams, Addison K., Adams Corporate Law, Villa Park, 714-415-2297 Alexander, Benjamin, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Scoular, Robert, Dentons, Los Angeles
Weinsten, Michael E., Lavely & Singer, Los Angeles
Selvin, Peter S., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
Weisskopf, Stephen D., LevatoLaw, Los Angeles
Alleguez, Tina M., Alleguez | Newman | Goodstein, Woodland Hills
Shechet, Aaron, Chandler & Shechet, Beverly Hills
Wersching, Eric J., Ross Wersching & Wolcott, Costa Mesa
Alvarez, Justin, The Alvarez Firm, Calabasas, 818-224-7077
Siddiqui, Omar A., Siddiqui Law, Costa Mesa, 714-384-6650 Pg. S-52
Williams, Marc S., Cohen Williams, Los Angeles
Askarieh, Sarvey, Yevras Law Group, Los Angeles
Williams, Michael R., Bienert | Katzman, San Clemente
Averbach, Zane S., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Wilson, Jason H., Willenken, Los Angeles
Blaine, Stephen E., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444
Sletten, Steven E., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Smith, Steven C., Smith, Irvine
Barr, Gary, Alpert Barr & Grant, Encino
Soibelman, Adam J., R2 Law Group, Calabasas
Wilson, Scot D., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288
Sopori, Priya, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Wippler, Michael, Dykema Gossett, Los Angeles
Bruno, Alex, Bruno Group, Glendale
Spach, Jr., Madison S., Spach Capaldi & Waggaman, Newport Beach, 949-852-0710
Wolf, Ellen Kaufman, Wolf Wallenstein & Abrams, Los Angeles
Callender, Daniel R., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village
Spanier, Kristen L., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Wood, Kathleen, Connon Wood, Pasadena
Borow, Jennifer L., Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-22
Spillane, Jay, Spillane Law Group, Beverly Hills Spitzer, Daniel, Law Offices of Daniel B. Spitzer, Encino Stambaugh, Joshua, Costell & Adelson Law Corp., Santa Monica Stein, Michael D., Tisdale & Nicholson, Los Angeles Steinberg, Lawrence B., Buchalter, Los Angeles Steinbrecher, Alan K., Steinbrecher & Span, Los Angeles Stris, Peter, Stris & Maher, Los Angeles Sugden, David, Call & Jensen, Newport Beach Pg. S-12 Swartz, Michael, Scheper Kim & Harris, Los Angeles Swift, David, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica Taitelman, Michael A., Freedman + Taitelman, Los Angeles Tantalo, Joel M., Tantalo & Adler, Los Angeles Taschner, Dana, Taschner Law Firm, Los Angeles Tesser, Brandon M., Tesser | Grossman, Los Angeles, 310-207-4558 Theodora, Todd C., Theodora Oringher, Costa Mesa Pg. S-12 Thibodo, Todd D., Law Offices of Todd D. Thibodo, Encino, 818-907-5769 Thurmond, Karl S., Law Office of Karl S. Thurmond, Los Angeles, 310-476-3116 Tippie, Alan G., SulmeyerKupetz, Los Angeles Turken, James H., Greenspoon Marder, Los Angeles SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-21
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 BUSINESS/CORPORATE CONT’D FROM PAGE S-21
Wynner, Robert E., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village
Seitz, Friedrich W., Murchison & Cumming, Los Angeles
Curtis, Linda L., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Zimmet, Keith T., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Slaughter, William M., Slaughter Reagan & Cole, Ventura, 805-658-7800
Eghbali, Doron F., Law Advocate Group, Beverly Hills Epstein, Alan J., Venable, Los Angeles Geraci, Anthony F., Geraci, Irvine
CANNABIS LAW Berke, Kenneth J., Berke Law Group, Calabasas Shevin, Eric D., Shevin Law Group, Sherman Oaks
Gipson, Robert E., Gipson Hoffman & Pancione, Los Angeles, 310-556-4660 Pg. S-48 Gold, Michael A., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
WILLIAM M. SLAUGHTER SLAUGHTER, REAGAN & COLE, LLP Ventura • 805-658-7800
www.srllplaw.com
Soter, Gary S., Law Offices of Gary S. Soter, Calabasas
CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE
Spitz, Sherman M., Berger Kahn, Irvine
Abbott, Charles, Burke Williams & Sorensen, Los Angeles
Stark, Joseph, Law Office of Joseph L. Stark & Assoc., Santa Clarita
Ames, Dennis K., LaFollette Johnson DeHaas Fesler & Ames, Santa Ana
Stephan, Paul E., Selman Breitman, Santa Ana
Halper, Stephen I., Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles Hong, Nina L., Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Los Angeles
Armstrong, II, Robert W., Demler Armstrong & Rowland, Long Beach
Horwitz, Martin, Martin L. Horwitz, Los Angeles
Carobini, Daniel, Engle Carobini, Ventura
Ingber, Kenneth S., Ingber & Associates, Agoura Hills, 818-707-3811
Cavanaugh, Todd A., Yukevich | Cavanaugh, Los Angeles
Kim, John Y., Verve Law Group, La Palma
Cleeland, Bruce, Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Irvine
Kim, Stuart Y., Stuart Kim Law, Pasadena
Collinson, Lisa, Collinson Daehnke Inlow & Greco, Torrance
Granato, Stephanie, Granato Law Office, Los Angeles, 310-601-7926 Pg. S-49
Kurtz, Steven N., Levinson Arshonsky & Kurtz, Sherman Oaks, 818-382-3434 Lambirth, Timothy A., Lambirth Law, Valencia
Cowdrey, Sean D., Cowdrey Jenkins, Camarillo
Stockalper, Patrick E., Kjar McKenna & Stockalper, El Segundo Tully, Stephen J., Garrett & Tully, Westlake Village Turner, David A., Yukevich | Cavanaugh, Los Angeles
CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF Dennis, Jonathan S., Dennis Law Group, Irvine Hariton, Joe, Law Offices of Joe Hariton, Los Angeles
Lanin, Ari, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Douglas, Joel B., Bonne Bridges Mueller O’Keefe & Nichols, Los Angeles
Lawrence, Amy B., Lawrence & Associates, Burbank
Dubrawski, Peter A., Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles
Levin, Emily S., Levin Corporate Law Group, Los Angeles
Dunn, Jeffrey V., Best Best & Krieger, Irvine
Marlin, Louis M., Louis Marlin Mediation, Irvine
Ezzell, Peter Q., Law Office of Peter Q. Ezzell, Marina Del Rey
McCune, Richard D., McCune Wright Arevalo, Ontario
Faenza, Christopher E., Yoka & Smith, Los Angeles
McNulty, Peter J., McNulty Law Firm, Los Angeles, 310-471-2707 Pg. S-51
Fuchs, Douglas M., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Smith, Marilyn M., Law Office of Marilyn M. Smith, Pasadena
Locher, William D., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles Mayer, Steven M., Mayer Law Group, Encino Miller, Janice, Miller Haga Law Group, Calabasas Noroski, Laura A., Garcia Rainey Blank & Bowerbank, Costa Mesa, 714-382-7000 Nwankwo, Oji, Law Office of Oji K. Nwankwo, Los Angeles Ober, Matt D., Richardson | Ober | DeNichilo, Pasadena Palazzo, Donald J., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village Popowitz, Neil M., Neil M. Popowitz, Westlake Village Prietto, Jr., Miguel P., Prietto Law, Irvine
Gmelich, Thomas P., Bradley & Gmelich, Glendale, 818-243-5200 Gruppie, Guy R., Murchison & Cumming, Los Angeles Hagan, Christopher J., Hagan Law Group, Bakersfield Haggerty, William C., Ford Walker Haggerty & Behar, Long Beach Heck, Christopher J., Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Rawlins, Justin E., Paul Hastings, Los Angeles
Kamanski, James, Law Offices of James B. Kamanski, Los Angeles
Rosner, Michael, Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles
Law, Yuk K., Law + Brandmeyer, Pasadena
Ruger, Richard M., Lee Anav Chung White & Kim, Los Angeles
Lawrence, Robert Scott, Lawrence Bartels, Irvine
Sheik, Shahrokh, Weinberg Gonser, Los Angeles Shenon, Natela, Shenon Law Group, Sherman Oaks Sklar, Jeffrey A., Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles Spillers, Katy, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Thomas, Steven E., Irell & Manella, Los Angeles Whitcombe, John, Greenberg Whitcombe Takeuchi Gibson & Grayver, Torrance Williams, Scott, The Small Business Law Firm, Thousand Oaks
S-22
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Lear, Edward O., Century Law Group, Los Angeles Madruga, Thomas M., Olivarez Madruga Lemieux & O’Neill, Los Angeles McNamara, Ryan M., Call & Jensen, Newport Beach Nahra, John P., Baker Keener & Nahra, Los Angeles
Henriks, Yana, McMurray Henriks, Los Angeles, 323-931-6200 Kabateck, Brian S., Kabateck, Los Angeles
CIVIL RIGHTS Burton, John, The Law Offices of John Burton, Pasadena Campbell, Frances M., Campbell & Farahani, Sherman Oaks Carr, Peter L., PLC Law Group, Los Angeles Driscoll, Christopher L., Jonas & Driscoll, Torrance Dunkerly, Erin R., Collins Collins Muir + Stewart, South Pasadena Farahani, Nima, Campbell & Farahani, Sherman Oaks Galipo, Dale K., The Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, Woodland Hills, 818-347-3333
DALE K. GALIPO THE LAW OFFICES OF DALE K. GALIPO Woodland Hills • 818-347-3333
Harper, Caree, The Law Offices of Caree Harper, Santa Monica, 213-386-5078 Pg. S-49
Osborn, Patrick J., Clifford & Brown, Bakersfield
Hoffman, Paul L., Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, Hermosa Beach
Sabaitis, Frank T., Yee & Associates, Pasadena
Karlin, L. Scott, The Karlin Law Firm, Tustin
Scolnick, Chase A., Keller/Anderle, Irvine, 949-476-8700
Michel, C.D. “Chuck”, Michel & Associates, Long Beach
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Orange, Olu K., Orange Law Offices, Los Angeles
Koes, Daniel J., Shenoi Koes, Pasadena
Panuco, Cindy, Public Counsel, Los Angeles
Koncius, Jeffrey, Kiesel Law, Beverly Hills, 310-854-4444
Parks, Shawna, Law Office of Shawna L. Parks, Los Angeles Paz, R. Samuel, Law Office of R. Samuel Paz, Culver City
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW Fox, Deborah, Meyers Nave, Los Angeles
Lander, Gregg, Law Offices of Kevin T. Barnes, Los Angeles
CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION
Leviant, H. Scott, Moon & Yang, Los Angeles
Roberts, Daniel S., Cole Huber, Ontario
Levin, Jason, Steptoe & Johnson, Los Angeles
Rosenbaum, Mark D., Public Counsel, Los Angeles
LippSmith, Graham B., LippSmith, Los Angeles
Adams, Jason M., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles
Loewy, Robert G., Law Offices of Robert G. Loewy, Aliso Viejo
CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS Adolph, Launa, Matern Law Group, Manhattan Beach, 310-531-1900 Pg. S-15 Ahern, Eileen M., Willenken, Los Angeles Aiwazian, Edwin, Lawyers for Justice, Glendale Andrews, Celene Chan, LippSmith, Los Angeles Arias, Mike, Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, Los Angeles Baum, Michael L., Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, Los Angeles Bleichner, Brad D., Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal, Los Angeles Boucher, Raymond P., Boucher, Woodland HIlls, 818-340-5400
Mahoney, Kevin, Mahoney Law Group, Long Beach
Backus, Stephen, Backus & Ernst, Los Angeles Baghdassarian, Alex R., Peckar & Abramson, Los Angeles Bailey, Terry R., Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, Encino
Mallow, Michael L., Shook Hardy & Bacon, Los Angeles
Barker, T. Darren, LaFollette Johnson DeHaas Fesler & Ames, Santa Ana
Marder, Neal R., Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Los Angeles
Campbell, Nick, Builders Law Group, Burbank Campbell, Robert G., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Margulies, Jeffrey B., Norton Rose Fulbright, Los Angeles Morrison, Michael S., Alexander Morrison + Fehr, Los Angeles, 310-394-0888 Pg. S-21 Ohn, Gerald S., Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, Stevenson Ranch
Dalmore, Jean A., Murchison & Cumming, Los Angeles Dorse, Kevin A., Theodora Oringher, Costa Mesa Feldman, Mark A., Feldman & Associates, Los Angeles
Orr, Matthew R., Call & Jensen, Newport Beach Ozzello, Mark A., Capstone Law, Los Angeles
Fresch, Elaine K., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Bradley, Marcus J., Bradley Grombacher, Westlake Village
Parekh, Behram V., Dalimonte Rueb Stoller, Los Angeles
Glucksman, Richard H., Chapman Glucksman Dean & Roeb, Los Angeles
Braun, Michael D., Braun Law Group, Los Angeles Cappy, Rod J., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles
Puglisi, Fred R., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Gropman, Ted R., Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, Los Angeles
Carpenter, Gretchen, Carpenter Law, Manhattan Beach
Renick, Randy R., Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai, Pasadena
Grossbart, Kenneth, Abdulaziz Grossbart & Rudman, North Hollywood
Chorba, Christopher, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Richardson, Jeffrey L., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Hack, Marion T., Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, Los Angeles
Clarkson, Ryan J., Clarkson Law Firm, West Hollywood
Robinson, Daniel S., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288 Pg. S-12
Hamrick, III, A. Raymond, Hamrick & Evans, Burbank
Curtis, Robert A., Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, Santa Barbara
Robinson, Jr., Mark P., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288 Pg. S-8, S-12
Horowitz, Jeffrey D., The Horowitz Law Firm, Sherman Oaks
Dai, Cornelia H., Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai, Pasadena
Rothrock, Frank C., Shook Hardy & Bacon, Irvine Ruf, Kevin, Glancy Prongay & Murray, Los Angeles
Hurst, Jeffrey S., Monteleone & McCrory, Los Angeles
Farber, Mia, Jackson Lewis, Los Angeles
Saltzman, Stanley D., Marlin & Saltzman, Agoura Hills
Jackson, Lee, Milstein Jackson Fairchild & Wade, Los Angeles, 310-396-9600
Fields, Joshua A., Kirtland & Packard, Redondo Beach
Sani, Sam, Sani Law, Encino
Kamine, Bernard S., Kamine Law, Los Angeles
Silberfeld, Roman M., Robins Kaplan, Los Angeles
Kaneda, Joseph, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, Irvine
Drexler, Jr., Robert, Capstone Law, Los Angeles
Gaines, Daniel F., Gaines & Gaines, Calabasas Germain, Daniel, Rosman & Germain, Encino Goldberg, Scott, Selman Breitman, Los Angeles Grombacher, Kiley L., Bradley Grombacher, Westlake Village Herrington, Robert J., Greenberg Traurig, Los Angeles Humphrey, Christina, Christina Humphrey Law, Santa Barbara, 805-618-2924 Pg. S-50 Karavatos, Karen L., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288 Kearney, Thomas A., Kearney Littlefield, Glendale Kellner, Richard L., Kellner Law Group, Los Angeles Kelly, Michael Louis, Kirtland & Packard, Redondo Beach Kim, Tae, CollinsKim, Los Angeles
Sims, Scott H., Frank Sims & Stolper, Irvine Stahle, Mikael H., Matern Law Group, Manhattan Beach, 310-531-1900 Pg. S-15
Kasdan, Kenneth S., Kasdan Turner Thomson Booth, Irvine, 949-851-9000
Tagvoryan, Anahit (Ana), Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3400 Pg. S-10
Koeller, Keith D., Koeller Nebeker Carlson & Haluck, Irvine
Torrijos, Alfredo, Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, Los Angeles
Kornblatt, Sara H., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles
Wade, Gillian, Milstein Jackson Fairchild & Wade, Los Angeles
Lauby, Kirk, Fernandez & Lauby, Riverside Loewenthal, David A., Loewenthal Hillshafer & Carter, Woodland Hills Lovett, Steven R., Law Office of Steven R. Lovett, Woodland Hills
CLOSELY HELD BUSINESS Lappen, Timothy, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
MacNaughton, Barry J., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
May, Lawrence E., Lawrence E. May, Los Angeles
Mah, Richard, Hunt Ortmann, Pasadena
Streza, Richard E., Brown & Streza, Irvine
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-24
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-23
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION CONT’D FROM PAGE S-23
Starr, Robert L., The Law Office of Robert L. Starr, Calabasas
Dunkle, Stephen K., Sanger Swysen & Dunkle, Santa Barbara
Malanga, Gerald B., Lattie Malanga Libertino, Los Angeles
Taylor, Norman F., Norman Taylor & Associates, Glendale
Earley, Jack M., Law Offices of Jack M. Earley, Irvine
Miller, Thomas E., The Miller Law Firm, Newport Beach
Wiener, Robert A., Wiener & Jackson, Sherman Oaks
Eisner, Alan, Eisner Gorin, Van Nuys
Ng, Christopher Eric, Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles Orland, James J., Orland Law Group, El Segundo Pierce, David H., David H. Pierce & Associates, Sherman Oaks, 818-826-5480 Pg. S-51
DAVID H. PIERCE DAVID H. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES PC Sherman Oaks • 818-826-5480
www.dhpierce.com
CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS
Feder, Tiffany E., Law Offices of Tiffany Feder, Encino
Friedman, Joshua, Joshua P. Friedman and Associates, Calabasas
Feyzjou, Kiarash, Kia Law Firm, Riverside
Goldberg, Marshall, Glass & Goldberg, Woodland Hills Goldman, Martin F., Law Office of Martin F. Goldman, Tarzana
Retz, Kirk J., Retz & Aldover, Palos Verdes Peninsula
Jen, Jerry J., Jen Law Firm, Los Angeles
LARRY A. ROTHSTEIN LAW OFFICES OF LARRY ROTHSTEIN Westlake Village • 818-348-7000
Moldo, Byron Z., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
Senet, Theodore L., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles Smith, Eric C., Monteleone & McCrory, Los Angeles Throckmorton, Robert, Tomassian Throckmorton Inouye & Grigorian, Irvine Tomassian, Serge, Tomassian Throckmorton Inouye & Grigorian, Irvine
Friedman, Stanley L., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles Geller, Paul S., Law Offices of Paul S. Geller, Pasadena Geragos, Mark, Geragos & Geragos, Los Angeles Glucksman, Jacob, Law Offices of Jacob Glucksman, Encino
Slates, Ronald, Ronald P. Slates, Los Angeles
Goldman, Jeremy N., Law Offices of Jeremy N. Goldman, Irvine
Weinberg, Robert, Law Offices of Robert A. Weinberg, Encino
Goldstein, Karen L., Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein, Los Angeles, 888-445-6313 Pg. S-49
www.larlaw.net
Rudman, Bruce, Abdulaziz Grossbart & Rudman, North Hollywood
Falangetti, Anthony J., West Coast Defense, Long Beach
Davidson, Peter A., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
Pierce, Timothy L., K&L Gates, Los Angeles
Rothstein, Larry A., Law Offices of Larry Rothstein, Westlake Village, 818-348-7000
Ernenwein, Robert S., Robert Ernenwein Law Offices, Torrance
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Goodman, Jacqueline, Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, Fullerton Gorin, Dmitry, Eisner Gorin, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Altman, Bryan, The Altman Law Group, Los Angeles
Gunsberg, Jerod, Law Offices of Jerod Gunsberg, Los Angeles
Aquilina, John, Attorney at Law, Rancho Santa Margarita
Gurwitz, Brian, The Law Office of Brian Gurwitz, Tustin
Artan, Michael H., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles
Haig, Jerome J., Law Office of Jerome J. Haig, Torrance
Arzili, Anthony A., Attorney at Law, Whittier Aval, Simon, Law Offices of Simon Aval, Pasadena Azari, Sara, Law Office of Sara Azari, Los Angeles
Harris, Eugene P. (Pat), Law Offices of Pat Harris, Beverly Hills Hashemi, Arash, Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, Los Angeles
Truax, Timothy M., Law Offices of Timothy M. Truax, El Segundo
Barnett, John, Law Office of John D. Barnett, Orange Pg. S-12
Turner, III, Glenn E., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles
Ben-Cohen, Pedram, Ben-Cohen Law Firm, Los Angeles
Watson, Alan J., Holland & Knight, Los Angeles
Berlin, Peter, Law Offices of Peter Berlin, Tarzana, 818-986-0969
Holley, Shawn, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Blanco, Meghan A., Law Offices of Meghan Blanco, Laguna Niguel
Hong, Janet E., The Hong Firm, Los Angeles
Blumenthal, Virginia, Blumenthal Law Offices, Riverside
Israels, Sam J., Cron Israels & Stark, Los Angeles
Braun, Adam, Braun & Braun, Los Angeles
Jackson, Alan J., Werksman Jackson & Quinn, Los Angeles
Wittbrodt, Richard J., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles Zvonicek, Philip C., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles
CONSUMER LAW
Helfend, Robert, Attorney at Law, Malibu Hill, Greg T., Greg Hill & Associates, Torrance
Houle, Lisa, Houle Law, Torrance
Braun, Harland W., Braun & Braun, Los Angeles
Jonas, Glen T., Jonas & Driscoll, Torrance
Anvar, Jessica, The Lemon Law Experts - Expertos De Ley Limón, Los Angeles
Brenner, Gregory D., Law Office of Gregory D. Brenner, Los Angeles
Kahn, Stephen R., Law Offices of Stephen R. Kahn, Beverly Hills
Barker, John D., Krohn & Moss, Hermosa Beach
Byrne, Mark A., Byrne & Nixon, Los Angeles
Kaplan, Richard D., Kaplan Marino, Beverly Hills
Bhujwala, Shehnaz, Boucher, Woodland HIlls, 818-340-5400
Chambers, Dan E., Chambers Law Firm, Santa Ana
Kent, Jeffrey, The Kent Law Firm, Fullerton
Brennan, Robert F., Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan, Montrose
Cohen, Philip Kent, Philip Kent Cohen, Santa Monica
Friedman, Todd M., Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, Woodland Hills
Cordova, Ron, Attorney at Law, Irvine, 949-748-3600
Kaufman, Joseph A., Lemon Law Aid, Pasadena
Cron, Steven M., Cron Israels & Stark, Santa Monica
Kazerounian, Abbas, Kazerouni Law Group, Costa Mesa Pg. S-8, S-12 Mizrahi, Guy, Journey Law Group, Los Angeles Parks, Michael, Schimmel & Parks, Sherman Oaks
S-24
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Leiderman, Jay, Jay Leiderman Law, Ventura Lessem, Jeremy, Lessem Newstat & Tooson, Los Angeles Levine, Stephen, Milligan Beswick Levine & Knox, Redlands, 909-798-3300 Pg. S-50 Marks, Donald B., Marks & Brooklier, Los Angeles
Devore, Mark S., Law Offices of Mark S. Devore, Calabasas
McBroom, Katherine (Kacey), Kaedian, Beverly Hills
Donath, Graham D., The Law Offices of Graham Donath, Riverside
McKesson, Winston K., Law Offices of Winston Kevin McKesson, Los Angeles
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Meyer, Paul S., Law Offices of Paul S. Meyer, Costa Mesa
Kade, Michael, Law Offices of Michael Kade, Los Angeles
Kreindler, Charles L., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Murphy, David M., Law Offices of David M. Murphy, Los Angeles
Middlebrook, Richard O., Middlebrook & Associates, Bakersfield
Krieger, Eliot F., SKT Law, Huntington Beach
Newman, Brian, Law Office of Brian A. Newman, Torrance
Parker Harris, Kellee, Parker Law Center, Huntington Beach
Ridley, Douglas H., Ridley Defense, Ventura, 805-208-1866
Rosenfeld, Mark, Law Office of Mark Rosenfeld, Beverly Hills
Rubin, Dale, Law Office of Dale Rubin, San Marino
Simons, Barry T., Law Offices of Barry T. Simons, Laguna Beach
Marella, Vincent J., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Tucci, Vincent John, Braden & Tucci, Irvine
Marino, Nina, Kaplan Marino, Beverly Hills
Sala, Heberto A., Attorney at Law, Bakersfield, 661-322-1708 Scafiddi, Michael, Law Offices of Michael A. Scafiddi, San Bernardino Sherman, Victor, Victor Sherman, Los Angeles, 213-268-3401 Sicat, Jocelyn H., Sicat Law, Covina, 626-888-3529 Pg. S-52 Sitkoff, Stephen D., Takakjian & Sitkoff, Los Angeles
Levine, Janet I., Kendall Brill & Kelly, Los Angeles Pg. S-10 Lincenberg, Gary S., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Littrell, John, Bienert | Katzman, San Clemente
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR Aghaian, Raymond O., Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Los Angeles
Matz, Jeremy D., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles May, Aaron M., Halpern May Ybarra Gelberg, Los Angeles Medrano, Manny, Zuber Lawler, Los Angeles
Alon, Edward E., Alon, Woodland Hills
Miller, Kenneth, Law Office of Kenneth M. Miller, San Clemente
Athey, Joel M., Holmes Taylor Cowan & Jones, Los Angeles Beck, Mark E., Beck Law, Pasadena
Munk, Jessica, Wiechert Munk & Goldstein, San Juan Capistrano
Stambler, Errol H., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles, 310-473-4525 Pg. S-52
Bienert, Jr., Thomas H., Bienert | Katzman, San Clemente
Neuman, Ariel A., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Stokke, Allan H., Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, Newport Beach
Bird, Terry W., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Newhouse, Jr., George B., Richards Carrington, Los Angeles
Sturm, Craig, Sturm Law, Los Angeles
Bowers, Terree A., Arent Fox, Los Angeles
Taylor, Scott A., Taylor Defense Firm, San Luis Obispo
Buehler, George W., Buehler & Kassabian, Pasadena
Thiagarajah, Fred, Right Choice Law, Newport Beach
Cader, Yasmin, Cader Adams Trial Lawyers, Los Angeles
Thigpen, Craig S., Law Offices of Craig Thigpen, Los Angeles, 844-528-4447
Cohen, Reuven L., Cohen Williams, Los Angeles
Solis, Anthony M., Law Offices of Anthony M. Solis, Calabasas
CRAIG S. THIGPEN LAW OFFICES OF CRAIG THIGPEN Los Angeles • 844-528-4447
Unger, Charles J. “Charlie”, Flanagan Unger & Grover, Glendale, 818-517-6605
Garofalo, Ellyn S., Venable, Los Angeles
www.charlieunger.com
Wallach, Ian, Law Offices of Ian Wallach, Los Angeles
Piazza, Mike, McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles Riddet, James D., Bienert | Katzman, San Clemente Robinson, Edward M., Robinson Kardon, Torrance Rodriguez, Mario, Law Office of Mario Rodriguez, Indio
Daly, Bryan D., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Farhang, Michael M., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
FLANAGAN, UNGER & GROVER Glendale • 818-517-6605
Pacheco, Anthony, Vedder Price, Los Angeles
Corrigan, Kate, Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, Newport Beach
Torres, David A., Torres | Torres-Stallings and Associates, Bakersfield
CHARLES J. “CHARLIE” UNGER
Nicolaysen, Gregory, Attorney at Law, Valencia
Roker, Brandon J., McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles Rutherford, Jeffrey H., Kendall Brill & Kelly, Los Angeles Sinek, Jeffrey S., Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles
Gelberg, Grant, Halpern May Ybarra Gelberg, Los Angeles
Spertus, James W., Spertus Landes & Umhofer, Los Angeles
Gluck, Benjamin N., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Goldsobel, Steven M., Law Offices of Steven Goldsobel, Los Angeles
Sun, Brian A., Jones Day, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Tarlow, Barry, Tarlow & Berk, Los Angeles Van Dyk, Nicole Rodriguez, Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
Welbourn, T. Edward, Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, Newport Beach
Handzlik, Jan Lawrence, Handzlik & Associates, Los Angeles
White, Debra S., Law Offices of Debra S. White, Los Angeles
Harris, William S., Law Offices of William S. Harris, South Pasadena
Yamamoto, Mia Frances, Law Office of Mia Yamamoto, Los Angeles
Hartmann, Robert M., The Hartmann Law Firm, Newport Beach
Wilke, Craig, Law Office of Craig Wilke, Fullerton
Yeretsian, Lara, Yeretsian Law, Glendale
Holscher, Mark C., Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles
Zweiback, Michael, Zweiback Fiset & Coleman, Los Angeles
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI Artz, Jon Bryant, Law Offices of Jon Bryant Artz, Los Angeles Bartell, Donald J., Bartell Hensel & Gressley, Riverside
Villarreal, Alicia, Villarreal Law, Hermosa Beach Williams, Jennifer L., Summa, Los Angeles
Jenness, Evan A., Law Offices of Evan A. Jenness, Los Angeles Johnston, Pamela L., Foley & Lardner, Los Angeles
Vandevelde, Eric D., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
ELDER LAW
Josephs, Samuel A., Spertus Landes & Umhofer, Los Angeles
Artigliere, William, Garcia & Artigliere, Long Beach
Kardon, Nancy, Robinson Kardon, Torrance
Bell, Melinda, Law Office of Melinda S. Bell, Dana Point
Hache, Philip D., Law Office of Philip D. Hache, Sherman Oaks
Kaufman, Gary Jay, The Kaufman Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-286-2202
Hutton, Richard A., Hutton & Khalaf, Pasadena
Klein, Brian, Baker Marquart, Los Angeles
Blix, Fay, The Law Offices of Fay Blix, Laguna Hills CONTINUED ON PAGE S-26
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-25
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 ELDER LAW CONT’D FROM PAGE S-25
Brown, R. Christine, Law Offices of R. Christine Brown, Torrance Jensen, Tamila, Law Offices of Tamila C. Jensen, Granada Hills
Brucker, Alex M., Brucker & Morra, Los Angeles
Dieguez, Marcelo A., Diefer Law Group, Irvine
Chandler, Corinne, Kantor & Kantor, Northridge
Donahoo, Richard E., Donahoo & Associates, Tustin, 714-953-1010
Dean, Ronald, Law Office of Ronald Dean, Pacific Palisades Faucher, Joseph C., Trucker Huss, Encino
Johnson, Gregory L., Johnson Moore Trial Lawyers, Thousand Oaks
Kantor, Glenn R., Kantor & Kantor, Northridge
Kane, Gerald, Law Offices of Gerald L. Kane, Encino
Kassan, Alan E., Kantor & Kantor, Northridge
Malis, Julianna Makler, Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law, Santa Barbara
Kantor, Lisa S., Kantor & Kantor, Northridge Paller Jr., Joseph L., Gilbert & Sackman, Los Angeles
Moran, Michael F., Moran Law, Santa Ana
Schachter, Robin M., Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Los Angeles
Nielsen, Caren R., Rodnunsky & Associates, Woodland Hills Pg. S-10
Simpson, Roland G., Roland G. Simpson, Los Angeles
Peters, Carol A., Law Office of Carol A. Peters, Pasadena Valentine, Kimberly, Valentine Law Group, Mission Viejo Pg. S-10, S-12 Zimring, Stuart D., Attorney at Law, Encino
EMINENT DOMAIN Banker, Anish J., Palmieri Hennessey & Leifer, Irvine Bergman, Brian J., Bergman Dacey Goldsmith, Los Angeles, 310-470-6110 Bergman, Gregory M., Bergman Dacey Goldsmith, Los Angeles, 310-470-6110 Block, Glenn L., California Eminent Domain Law Group, Glendale Blum, Steven A., Blum Collins, Los Angeles Evertz, Douglas J., Murphy & Evertz, Costa Mesa, 714-277-1700 Pg. S-48
DOUGLAS J. EVERTZ MURPHY & EVERTZ, LLP Costa Mesa • 714-277-1700
www.murphyevertz.com
Drapkin, Larry C., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles Elihu, Kaveh S., Employee Justice Legal Group, Los Angeles Elkins, Cynthia, Elkins Employment Law, Woodland Hills Eskridge, Gayle L., Eskridge Law, Torrance Fakhimi, Houman, Fakhimi & Associates, Santa Ana, 877-529-4545 Farber, Laura V., Hahn & Hahn, Pasadena Fears, Daniel F., Payne & Fears, Irvine Feldman, Carla, CAF Law Group, Beverly Hills, 323-202-2200
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Abrams, Lauren, Law Offices of Lauren Abrams, Beverly Hills Ackermann, Craig, Ackermann & Tilajef, Los Angeles Adreani, Michael B., Roxborough Pomerance Nye & Adreani, Woodland Hills Appleton, Heather, Appleton Law Group, El Segundo Armstrong, Dwight L., Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, Irvine Atkinson, Steven D., Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, Cerritos
CARLA FELDMAN CAF LAW GROUP Beverly Hills • 323-202-2200
www.caf-lawgroup.com Fernandez, Marta M., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Fisch, Gregg A., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Flores, Michelle Lee, Michelle Lee Flores Esq., Los Angeles Francisco, Rhett T., Employee Justice Legal Group, Los Angeles
Babaian, Raymond, Valiant Law, Ontario
Frey, Richard J., Epstein Becker & Green, Los Angeles
Barber, John L., Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, Costa Mesa
Friedman, Andrew H., Helmer Friedman, Beverly Hills Pg. S-8
Barnes, Kevin T., Law Offices of Kevin T. Barnes, Los Angeles
Gage, Bradley C., Goldberg & Gage, Woodland Hills
Beaumont, Jacqueline, Call & Jensen, Newport Beach
Garbacz, Greg A., Klinedinst, Irvine
Becerra, Joseph R., Becerra Law Firm, Long Beach
Gitt, Cynthia E., Brown Gitt Law Group, Pasadena, 626-993-6792 Pg. S-49 Goldsmith, Michele M., Bergman Dacey Goldsmith, Los Angeles, 310-470-6110
Hazarabedian, Arthur J., California Eminent Domain Law Group, Glendale
Bendavid, Sue M., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Hennessey, Patrick A., Palmieri Hennessey & Leifer, Irvine
Bien, Rachel, Outten & Golden, Los Angeles
Golper, John B., Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, Encino
Birndorf Zeiler, Deborah, Birndorf Law Offices, Los Angeles, 310-914-8400 Pg. S-47
Gottlieb, Ira L., Bush Gottlieb, Glendale
Kovacic, Gary A., Sullivan Workman & Dee, Pasadena Krolikowski, Charles S., Newmeyer Dillion, Newport Beach Leifer, Michael H., Palmieri Hennessey & Leifer, Irvine Murphy, John C., Murphy & Evertz, Costa Mesa, 714-277-1700 Pg. S-51
JOHN C. MURPHY MURPHY & EVERTZ, LLP Costa Mesa • 714-277-1700
www.murphyevertz.com
Berman, Jeffrey A., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles
Brand, Ron, Kahana & Feld, Irvine
Greenberg, Paul, Greenberg & Weinmann, Santa Monica
Brooks, Scott A., Matern Law Group, Manhattan Beach, 310-531-1900 Pg. S-15
Guterres, Tomas A., Collins Collins Muir + Stewart, South Pasadena
Brown, Jeffrey K., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Gutierrez, Alejandro P., Hathaway Perrett Webster Powers Chrisman & Gutierrez, Ventura
Bush, Robert A., Bush Gottlieb, Glendale Cagney, Lawrence R., Krieger & Krieger, Long Beach Campbell, Darren J., Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, Irvine Capell, Julie, Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Peterson, John S., Peterson Law Group, Los Angeles, 213-236-9720 Pg. S-51
Caryl, Jesse M., Bent Caryl & Kroll, Los Angeles
Springer, Jeffrey Z.B., Demetriou Del Guercio Springer & Francis, Los Angeles
Cole, William L., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Brehm, Brent Dorian, Kantor & Kantor, Northridge
S-26
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Chami, Pouya B., Chami Law, Los Angeles
Conway, Catherine A., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Davis, Heather, Protection Law Group, El Segundo, 844-294-3095 Pg. S-27
Gutman Dickinson, Julie, Bush Gottlieb, Glendale Hameed, Sayema J., Cabada & Hameed, Pasadena Handman, Daniel H., Hirschfeld Kraemer, Santa Monica Harris, Wilmer J., Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, South Pasadena Harrison, Genie, Genie Harrison Law Firm, Los Angeles, 213-805-5301 Pg. S-8, S-10 Hayden, Robert C., Ezer Williamson Law, Torrance Hilaire, Mika M., Equal Rights Law Group, Sherman Oaks Hill, Thomas E., Holland & Knight, Los Angeles
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Holguin, Steven, SR Holguin, Los Angeles Holzman, Daniel M., Caskey & Holzman, Calabasas Jaramilla, Toni J., Toni Jaramilla, Los Angeles
Ryu, Young W., LOYR, Los Angeles
Mehtani, Aanand, Mehtani Law Offices, Los Angeles
Sanders, Olivia, Law Office of Olivia Sanders, Los Angeles
Mills, Jr., Maury M., Law Office of Maury Mills, Ventura
Sargoy, Kenneth J., Sargoy Law, Los Angeles
Mittman, Jeremy, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Sayas, Jr., C. Joe, Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas Jr., Glendale, 818-291-0088 Pg. S-51
Mizrahi, Joshua, Buchalter, Los Angeles
Scherwin, Todd, Fisher & Phillips, Los Angeles
Moisa, Irma Rodriguez, Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, Cerritos
Schwettmann, Eric C., Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, Encino
Kantor, Eli, Law Offices of Eli M. Kantor, Beverly Hills
Moon, Kane, Moon & Yang, Los Angeles
Scott, Kelly O., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
Morris, James L., Rutan & Tucker, Costa Mesa
Kaplan, Steven J., Law Offices of Steven J. Kaplan, Los Angeles
Muller, Kirstin E., Hirschfeld Kraemer, Santa Monica
Segall, Anthony R., Rothner Segall & Greenstone, Pasadena
Kaufman, Thomas R., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Myers, Thomas, Smith & Myers, Los Angeles
Sherman, Lisa G., Sherman, Beverly Hills
Ozhekim, Greg, Oz Law Group, Woodland Hills
Smith, Gregory W., Law Offices of Gregory W. Smith, Beverly Hills
Jaramillo, Andrew J., Altus Law Firm, Irvine Jaurigue, Michael J., JLG Lawyers, Glendale Kading, Theresa A., Kading Briggs, Irvine Kamm, Nicole, Fisher & Phillips, Los Angeles
Kennedy, Tracey, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Sessions, Don, Sessions & Kimball, Mission Viejo
Payne, James L., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Soleymani, Navid, Yadegar Minoofar & Soleymani, Los Angeles
Kienle, Jenifer L., Kienle Law, San Juan Capistrano
Posner, Michael P., Attorney at Law, Camarillo
Kim, Briana M., Briana Kim, Long Beach
Rastegar, Farzad, Rastegar Law Group, Torrance
Knight, Stacey McKee, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles
Reisner, Adam, Law Offices of Reisner & King, Sherman Oaks
Koegle, Brian, Poole Shaffery & Koegle, Santa Clarita
Rosen, Howard Z., Rosen Marsili Rapp, Los Angeles
Kowalski, Nate, Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, Cerritos
Rosenberg, Richard S., Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, Encino
Walraven, Larry A., Walraven & Westerfeld, Aliso Viejo, 949-215-1991
Kraemer, Glen E., Hirschfeld Kraemer, Santa Monica
Ross, Gary, Ross & Morrison, Beverly Hills
Wasserman, Mark A., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Krakow, Marvin E., Alexander Morrison + Fehr, Los Angeles, 310-394-0888 Pg. S-21
Rothner, Glenn, Rothner Segall & Greenstone, Pasadena
Sullivan, Mark, Law Office of Mark F. Sullivan, Westlake Village Swerdlow, Janet I., Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer, Beverly Hills Toomey, Philip A., Leech Tishman, El Segundo
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-28
Kramer, Jennifer, Hennig Kramer Ruiz & Singh, Los Angeles, 213-310-8301
HEATHER DAVIS
Krieger, Linda Guthmann, Krieger & Krieger, Long Beach Krieger, Terrence, Krieger & Krieger, Long Beach
Selected to Super Lawyers
Lane, Wendy E., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Lara, Linda Luna, Lara & Luna, La Mirada
PROTECTION LAW GROUP, LLP
Lee, Thomas M., Lee Law Offices, Los Angeles
136 Main St., Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245 PH: (844) 294-3095 Ext. 103 heather@protectionlawgroup.com
Levian, K. Kevin, Levian Law, Los Angeles Levin, Adam, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
protectionlawgroup.com
Levinson, Robert A., Levinson Arshonsky & Kurtz, Sherman Oaks, 818-382-3434 Locklear, Tina, Law Offices of Tina Locklear, Irvine Love, Richard A., Love, Tarzana Magnanimo, Frank A., Magnanimo & Dean, Woodland Hills Malk, Michael, Malk Law Firm, Los Angeles Mallen, David, Employee Law Group, Torrance May, Bruce D., Stuart Kane, Newport Beach McCaffrey, Jr., Timothy B., Chesler McCaffrey, Los Angeles McCortney, Ryan D., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Costa Mesa McGuigan, Kathryn T., Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Los Angeles McNicholas, Matthew S., McNicholas & McNicholas, Los Angeles McQueen, Teresa A., Saffire Legal, Irvine
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR A standout among other employment attorneys, Heather Davis represents employees in obtaining compensation for violations of wage and hour laws suffered at the hands of their employers. During Ms. Davis’ career solely dedicated to representing employees, she has obtained more than $75 million in settlements for her clients. Although this success confirms Ms. Davis as one of the preeminent wage and hour attorneys in California, her experience as a former defense attorney for the largest employers in the country for more than a decade sets her apart from the rest. Ms. Davis, as one of the founding partners of Protection Law Group, LLP, uses her experience as a former defense attorney to the advantage of her clients.
Meer, Jon D., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-27
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 EMPLOYMENT & LABOR CONT’D FROM PAGE S-27
Wesierski, Christopher P., Wesierski & Zurek, Lake Forest
Light, Jonathan Fraser, LightGabler, Camarillo Miller, Lee A., Miller Law Partners, Woodland Hills
Berenji, Shadie, Berenji Law Firm, Beverly Hills, 310-855-3270 Pg. S-47
Moss, Jr., James R., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Blady, I. Benjamin, Blady Workforce Law Group, Los Angeles
Whang, Arthur Y., Whang Law Firm, Woodland Hills
Oncidi, Anthony J., Proskauer Rose, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Bononi, Michael J., Bononi Law Group, Pasadena, 213-553-9200
Wimmer, David A., Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer, Beverly Hills
Oster, Matt, Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Wirth, Gabrielle M., Dorsey & Whitney, Costa Mesa
Patton, Amy R., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Witlin, Scott J., Barnes & Thornburg, Los Angeles
Pazzani, Karen J., Young & Zinn, Los Angeles
Yadidsion, Danny, Labor Law, Santa Monica
Pearl, II, Carmine J. (CJ), Pearl Legal, Irvine
Zakson, Laurence S., Reich Adell & Cvitan, Los Angeles
Roberts, Jr, Reginald, Sanders Roberts, Los Angeles
Zelenski, Abigail, Zelenski Law, Pasadena
Rubiner, John, Freeman Mathis & Gary, Los Angeles
Zinn, Harry A., Young & Zinn, Los Angeles
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE Abell, Nancy L., Paul Hastings, Los Angeles Pg. S-8, S-10 Allderdice, Linda Auerbach, Holland & Knight, Los Angeles
Savitt, Linda Miller, Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, Encino Pg. S-8, S-10 Simmons, Richard J., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Sterman, Karina B., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Talley, Kimberly M., Constangy Brooks Smith & Prophete, Los Angeles
MICHAEL J. BONONI BONONI LAW GROUP, LLP Pasadena • 213-553-9200
www.bononilawgroup.com Browne, Gina, Feldman Browne Olivares, Los Angeles Buchsbaum, Brent S., Buchsbaum & Haag, Long Beach, 562-733-2498
BRENT S. BUCHSBAUM BUCHSBAUM & HAAG, LLP Long Beach • 562-733-2498
www.buchsbaumhaag.com Burrows, Christopher L., Burrows Law Firm, Beverly Hills Byrnes, Craig, The Law Office of Craig T. Byrnes, Manhattan Beach Chen, Kelly Y., Law Office of Kelly Y. Chen, City of Industry
Arias Young, Julie, Young & Zinn, Los Angeles
Tilles, Yaron M., Ecoff Campain & Tilles, Beverly Hills, 310-887-1850
Barritt, Douglas A., Barritt Smith Miner, Irvine
Trotter, Julie R., Call & Jensen, Newport Beach
Chiang, Kevin W., Equity Legal Group, Pasadena
Bent, Sergio, Bent Caryl & Kroll, Los Angeles
White, Leigh A., CDF Labor Law, Irvine
Clark, Tyler F., Clark Employment Law, Encino
Bonoli, Philip J., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Wortman, Jeffrey A., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles
Cleaver, G. Samuel, Law Offices of G. Samuel Cleaver, Los Angeles
Brophy, Jonathan L., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles
Wulffson, Todd R., CDF Labor Law, Irvine
Clingo, Jennifer A., Clingo Law Group, Los Angeles
Cohen, Ellen, Call & Jensen, Newport Beach Craigie, Alex W., The Law Offices of Alex W. Craigie, Los Angeles
Chesler, Natasha, Chesler McCaffrey, Los Angeles
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF
Cohen, Darren M., Kingsley & Kingsley, Encino Coleman, Christina M., Law Offices of Christina M. Coleman, Los Angeles, 323-592-3605 Pg. S-10, S-47
Cripps, Jesse A., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Aarons, Martin I., The Aarons Law Firm, Encino, 818-794-9250 Pg. S-8
DiSante, Marie D., CDF Labor Law, Irvine
Akopyan, Ani M., Akopyan Law Firm, Burbank
Eanet, Matthew L., Eanet, Los Angeles
Akopyan, Michael, Akopyan Law Firm, Burbank
Echavarria, Camilo, Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Cowan, Jeffrey W., The Cowan Law Firm, Beverly Hills, 310-394-1420 Pg. S-48
Alexander, III, J. Bernard, Alexander Morrison + Fehr, Los Angeles, 310-394-0888 Pg. S-8, S-21
Cummings, Scott, Cummings & Franck, Gardena
Freudenberger, Timothy M., CDF Labor Law, Irvine
Alivandivafa, Alireza, Attorney and Counselor at Law, Los Angeles
Giamela, Lonnie D., Fisher & Phillips, Los Angeles Giddens, Brent M., CDF Labor Law, Los Angeles Giovannone, John R., CDF Labor Law, Los Angeles Glazer, Gregory, Hirschfeld Kraemer, Santa Monica
Allred, Gloria, Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles Ames, Scott, Law Offices of Scott R. Ames, Los Angeles, 310-935-0225 Appell, Barry M., Appell Shapiro, Sherman Oaks
Hoffer, Daniel P., Venable, Los Angeles
Avila, Mark S., Avila & Shaddow, Woodland Hills
Horton Thomas, Jeffrey S., Fox Rothschild, Los Angeles
Avrahamy, Joseph, Law Offices of Joseph Avrahamy, Encino
House, Calvin R., Gutierrez Preciado & House, Pasadena, 626-449-2300 Pg. S-49
Azadian, George S., Azadian Law Group, Pasadena, 626-449-4944
Husar, Linda S., Reed Smith, Los Angeles
Banerjee, Arnab, Banner Law Group, Los Angeles
Jamgotchian, Ronda D., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Barrera, Patricio T. D., Barrera & Associates, El Segundo, 310-802-1500 Pg. S-46
Jassy, Kara L., Littler Mendelson, Los Angeles Jayakumar, Jehan N., Carlson & Jayakumar, Newport Beach, 949-222-2008 Jones, David G., Lewitt Hackman, Encino Knee, Howard M., Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3439 Pg. S-10
S-28
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
PATRICIO T. D. BARRERA BARRERA & ASSOCIATES El Segundo • 310-802-1500
www.baattorneys.com Baumler, Nina J., Law Office of Nina Baumler, El Segundo
Collins, Dawn T., CollinsKim, Los Angeles
D’Abusco, Matthew, Ares Law Group, Newport Beach Davidson, Benjamin, Law Offices of Benjamin Davidson, Beverly Hills Davis, Roxanne A., Davis*Gavsie & Hakim, Santa Monica De Sario, James A., The Nourmand Law Firm, Beverly HIlls Dean, Lauren A., Magnanimo & Dean, Woodland Hills deRubertis, David M., The deRubertis Law Firm, Studio City, 818-761-2322 Pg. S-8, S-48 DeSimone, V. James, V. James DeSimone Law, Marina Del Rey Pg. S-8 Duchrow, David J., Law Office of David J. Duchrow, Los Angeles Elias, Imad, Law Offices of Mann & Elias, Beverly Hills Engelman, Britany M., Engelman Law, Beverly Hills Faber, Michael J., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles Falvey, Thomas, Law Offices of Thomas W. Falvey, Glendale
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Fehr, Tracy L., Alexander Morrison + Fehr, Los Angeles, 310-394-0888 Pg. S-21 Feldman, Lee R., Feldman Browne Olivares, Los Angeles
Kokozian, Bruce, Kokozian Law Firm, Beverly Hills Kristy, James, The Kristy Law Firm, Huntington Beach Kwik, Angeline (Angie), Mehr & Associates, Irvine
Fraigun, Marina Kats, Fraigun Law Group, Sherman Oaks Pg. S-8, S-10
Lavi, Joseph, Lavi & Ebrahimian, Beverly Hills
Franck, Lee, Cummings & Franck, Gardena
Leal, Dolores Y., Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles
Freeze, Tamara S., Workplace Justice Advocates, Irvine
Lee, Henry, Henry M. Lee Law Office, Los Angeles
Freiman, Lawrence, Freiman Legal, Santa Monica
Licata, Tara J., Mancini & Associates, Sherman Oaks
Gallagher, Maryann, Law Offices of Maryann Gallagher, Los Angeles, 213-626-1810
MARYANN GALLAGHER LAW OFFICES OF MARYANN GALLAGHER Los Angeles • 213-626-1810
www.mpgallagherlaw.com
Mizrahi, Ramit, Mizrahi Law, Pasadena
Glyer, Leslie J., Leslie Glyer Law, Newport Beach
Mochkatel, Renee, Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles
Goldberg, Nathan, Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles Gonzales, Timothy, Brock & Gonzales, Los Angeles Haag, Laurel N., Buchsbaum & Haag, Long Beach, 562-733-2498
LAUREL N. HAAG BUCHSBAUM & HAAG, LLP Long Beach • 562-733-2498
www.buchsbaumhaag.com Harrison, Todd, Perona Langer Beck Serbin and Harrison, Long Beach, 562-426-6155 Pg. S-49 Hayes, Douglas B., Hurwitz Orihuela & Hayes, Los Angeles Hekmat, Joseph M., Hekmat Law Group, Los Angeles Helmer, Gregory D., Helmer Friedman, Beverly Hills
Silverstein, Douglas N., Kesluk Silverstein Jacob & Morrison, Los Angeles Somers, Margery N., Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles Spiegel, Marcus J., Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles Taylor, Christopher Wren, Taylor Labor Law, Pasadena Teren, Pam, Teren Law, Redondo Beach, 310-543-2300 Pg. S-10, S-52
Morasch, Annette, Law Office of Annette Morasch, Culver City
Teukolsky, Lauren, Teukolsky Law, Pasadena
Moss, Dennis F., Moss Bollinger, Sherman Oaks Myer, Scott D., Myer Law Firm, Palm Springs Nguyen, Nicole, Sessions & Kimball, Mission Viejo Nosrati, Omid, The Law Office of Omid Nosrati, Los Angeles Nourmand, Michael, The Nourmand Law Firm, Beverly HIlls
Tsarukyan, Andy, Remedy Law Group, Burbank Wagner, Mark H., Wagner Legal Group, Santa Monica
Mozaffari, Afshin, Mozaffari Law, Santa Monica
Waldo, William S., Bononi Law Group, Pasadena, 213-553-9200
WILLIAM S. WALDO BONONI LAW GROUP, LLP Pasadena • 213-553-9200
www.bononilawgroup.com
Olivares, Alicia, Feldman Browne Olivares, Los Angeles
West, John S., Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles
Oliver, Jason, Law Offices of Jason L. Oliver, Pasadena
Yadegar, Navid, Yadegar Minoofar & Soleymani, Los Angeles
Ostertag, Jennifer, Genie Harrison Law Firm, Los Angeles, 213-805-5301
Yasuda, Stephanie E., Yoon Law, Los Angeles
Panitz, Eric A., Panitz Law Group, Cerritos Payab, David, The Law Office of Payab & Associates, Woodland Hills
Ho, Daniel T., Daniel T. Ho & Associates, Burbank
Pedersen, Neil, Pedersen Law, Westminster
Horacek, Angel, Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, Culver City
Petrofsky, Melissa A., The Petrofsky Law Firm, Newport Beach
Jacob, Michael, Kesluk Silverstein Jacob & Morrison, Los Angeles
Quigley, Mark T., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-573-8120 Pg. S-8, S-9
Jain, Renuka V., Law Offices of Renuka V. Jain, Los Angeles
Rager, Jeffrey, The Rager Law Firm, El Segundo
Kaufman, Matthew, The Kaufman Law Firm, Westlake Village
Shirazi, Emanuel, Shirazi Law Firm, Los Angeles
Moore, Bonita D., Moore Ruddell, Los Angeles
Hennig, Robert, Hennig Kramer Ruiz & Singh, Los Angeles, 213-310-8301
Justice, Michael L., Attorney at Law, Westlake Village, 818-991-4100
Shah, Sandeep J., Shah Law Group, Costa Mesa Shegerian, Carney, Shegerian & Associates, Santa Monica Pg. S-8
Mirroknian, Reza, The Mirroknian Law Firm, Sherman Oaks
Glick, Stephen, Law Offices of Stephen Glick, Los Angeles Golan, Jeremy M., Golan Law, Los Angeles
Schlehr, Sarah, The Schlehr Law Firm, Burbank
Markson, Brett S., Markson Pico, Los Angeles
Matern, Matthew J., Matern Law Group, Manhattan Beach, 310-531-1900 Pg. S-15
Sansanowicz, Leonard H., Sansanowicz Law Group, Los Angeles Savarese, Melanie Rasic, Savarese Law Firm, Sierra Madre
Mankin, Brian, Fernandez & Lauby, Riverside
Gillam, Carol, The Gillam Law Firm, Los Angeles Glick, Gail A., Gail A. Glick Mediation & Employment Law, Los Angeles
Ruttenberg, Kenneth G., The Ruttenberg Law Firm, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Lovretovich, Joseph M., JML Law, Woodland Hills
Maroko, Michael, Allred Maroko & Goldberg, Los Angeles
Rumph, Randy, Law Office of Randy Rumph, Bakersfield Rutten, Howard, The Rutten Law Firm, Studio City
Lipinsky, Daren H., Rizio Lipinsky Law Firm, Chino Hills
George, Victor L., Law Offices of Victor L. George, Torrance, 310-870-0371
Ruiz, Brandon, Hennig Kramer Ruiz & Singh, Los Angeles, 213-310-8301
Rehwald, Kevin, Chaleff Rehwald Peterson, Woodland Hills Reyes, Jual F., Law Offices of Jual F. Reyes, Glendale
Kim, Do, Law Offices of Do Kim, Los Angeles
Romero, Alan, Romero Law, Pasadena, 626-396-9900
Kimball, Stephen C., Sessions & Kimball, Mission Viejo
Roshanian, Neda, Roshanian Law Firm, Sherman Oaks
Kitson, Robert M., The Myers Law Group, Los Angeles
Rothschild, Kristi D., Rothschild & Alwill, Santa Barbara Pg. S-8, S-10
Yoon, Kenneth H., Yoon Law, Los Angeles Yun, Edward H., Yun and Simonian, Los Angeles Zafar, Saba, Boren Osher & Luftman, El Segundo
ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES Atkin, Jeffery R., Foley & Lardner, Los Angeles
ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS Abrams, Alan, Law Office of Alan Abrams, Los Angeles Adler, Michael I., Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, West Hollywood Alexander, L Wayne, Alexander Lawrence Frumes & Labowitz, Los Angeles Anderson, Peter J., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles CONTINUED ON PAGE S-30
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-29
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-29
Annaguey, Maribeth, Browne George Ross O’Brien Annaguey & Ellis, Los Angeles Berger, Matthew, Matthew I. Berger Law Group, Santa Barbara
Holtz, Michael D., The Holtz Firm, Woodland Hills Jacobs, Howard, Law Offices of Howard L. Jacobs, Westlake Village Jonelis, Crystal Y., Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, Sherman Oaks
Smith, Jill L., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles Pg. S-8, S-10 Spicer, Christopher Staton, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Los Angeles Spitz, Jeffrey, Spitz Law Group, Los Angeles
Bergman, Aviva, The Point Media, Beverly HIlls
Katz, Martin D., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Stankevich, Mark A., Stankevich Law, Pacific Palisades
Berkowitz, Barbara L., Berkowitz & Associates, Beverly Hills
Kaufman, Peter L., Kaufman Abdel-Aal, Santa Monica
Stein, Stanton “Larry”, Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Bibicoff, Hillary S., Holmes Weinberg, Malibu
Kelly, Philip M., Kendall Brill & Kelly, Los Angeles
Stonerock, Ryan J., Harder, Beverly Hills
Brettler, Andrew B., Lavely & Singer, Los Angeles
Kirk, Wendy, Ziffren Brittenham, Los Angeles
Briggs, II, William J., Venable, Los Angeles
Kleinberg, Kenneth A., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles
Sullivan, Bryan M., Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, Los Angeles
Browning, Kenneth L., Browning & Browning, Beverly Hills Burke, P. John, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Los Angeles
Kulik, Glen L., Kulik Gottesman Siegel & Ware, Sherman Oaks Kuo, Marko M., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles
Taylor, Joseph R., Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Los Angeles Verbit, Larry E., Law Offices of Larry E. Verbit, Los Angeles
Lesser, Rick, Lesser & Associates, Redondo Beach
Weitzman, Howard L., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Carlo, Candace, Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Lichter, Linda B., Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, West Hollywood
Wodynski, Michelle L., MDS Premier, Hermosa Beach
Charnley, Richard L.B., Charnley Rian, Los Angeles
Lindblom, Roderick, Law Offices of Roderick J. Lindblom, Los Angeles
Wyman, Robert A., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Chatham, Christopher, Chatham Law Group, Los Angeles, 213-277-1800 Pg. S-47
Litwak, Mark, Law Offices of Mark Litwak & Associates, Santa Monica
Youngblood, Juliette, Youngblood Group, Culver City
Clark, Stephen P., Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, West Hollywood
Logan, Jeffrey K., Venable, Los Angeles
Cook, Melanie, Ziffren Brittenham, Los Angeles
Lucas, John J., One, Beverly Hills
Costa, Joseph P., CostaLaw, Pacific Palisades
Marks, Richard E., Richard Marks & Associates Entertainment Law, Los Angeles
Calabrese, Joseph A., Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles
Coyoca, Lucia E., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Lowe, Steven, Lowe & Associates, Beverly Hills
McPherson, Edwin F., McPherson, Los Angeles
ENVIRONMENTAL Bois, Thomas J., Bois Legal Counsel, Costa Mesa Bond, Lisa, Richards Watson & Gershon, Los Angeles Brooks, Preston W., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Crow, Alana, Law Offices of Alana Crow, Los Angeles
McRae, Devin A., Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, Los Angeles
Cuddy, Christine S., Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Miller, Darrell D., Fox Rothschild, Los Angeles
Carstens, Douglas P., Chatten-Brown Carstens & Minteer, Hermosa Beach
Modabber, Zia F., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles
Chatten-Brown, Jan, Chatten-Brown Carstens & Minteer, Hermosa Beach
Moore, Schuyler M., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Cranston, David E., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Myman, Robert M., Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light, Los Angeles
De Felice, Diane C., Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Los Angeles
Darwell, Robert A., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Eskenazi, Bonnie E., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Field, Corey, Corey Field Law Group, Los Angeles Firemark, Gordon, Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark, Los Angeles Fishman, Howard A., Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman, Los Angeles Fitzgerald, Chad R., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Nessim, Ronald J., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles Pacitti, James D., The Law Office of James D. Pacitti, Los Angeles
Dennis, Patrick W., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Ehrlich, Kenneth A., Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside, Los Angeles Garner, Eric L., Best Best & Krieger, Los Angeles
Freed, Tracey L., Freed Law, Venice
Passin, Mark D., CSReeder, Los Angeles, 310-861-2470
Freedman, Bryan J., Freedman + Taitelman, Los Angeles
Perez, Dinah, Law Office of Dinah Perez, Los Angeles
Gordon, Nicole Hoeksma, The Sohagi Law Group, Los Angeles
Galsor, Matt, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Pfeiffer, Jon, Pfeiffer Law Corp., Santa Monica
Hedgpeth, Tiffany R., Edgcomb Law Group, Burbank
Gipson, Elliot, Fayer Gipson, Los Angeles
Pierce, David Albert, Pierce Law Group, Beverly Hills, 310-274-9191 Pg. S-51
Gladstone, Leon, Gladstone Weisberg, Culver City Griffith, Marissa Román, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Los Angeles Halberstadter, David, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles Helmer, Kenneth, Law Office of Kenneth A. Helmer, Los Angeles Hilvert, Aleksandra, Lowe & Associates, Beverly Hills Hobel, Michael S., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles
S-30
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
DAVID ALBERT PIERCE PIERCE LAW GROUP LLP Beverly Hills • 310-274-9191
www.piercellp.com
Reynolds, Jeremiah T., Eisner, Beverly Hills Rogal, Melissa A., Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, West Hollywood
Gest, Howard, Burhenn & Gest, Los Angeles
Holzer, Stephen T., Lewitt Hackman, Encino Hsiao, Peter, King & Spalding, Los Angeles Kracov, Gideon, Law Office of Gideon Kracov, Los Angeles Nanney, Donald C., Cozen O’Connor, Los Angeles Niemiec, Peter, Law Office of Peter Niemiec, San Pedro Nyquist, Peter A., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Sloane, Owen J., Eisner, Beverly Hills
Ouellette, Michelle, Best Best & Krieger, Riverside
Smiley, Jr., Donald V., Law Offices of Donald V. Smiley, Marina del Rey
Pritsker, Keith W., Law Office of Keith W. Pritsker, Valencia
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Sadwick, David B., Tatro Tekosky Sadwick, Los Angeles
Gostanian, Amy L., Gostanian Law Group, Newport Beach
Van Brunt, Nicholas J., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Sommer, Scott A., Larson, Los Angeles
Grosberg, A. Hillary, Law Offices of A. Hillary Grosberg, Encino
Wickers, Rodney, Law Office of Rodney W. Wickers, Torrance
Grossman, Scott M., The Grossman Law Firm, Riverside
Wolf, Kenneth S., Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles
Hinojosa, Lynard C., Hinojosa & Forer, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Wright, Lauriann, Wright Kim Douglas, Glendale Pg. S-10
Leslie, Michael R., King & Spalding, Los Angeles
Hogan, Steven L., Lurie Zepeda Schmalz Hogan & Martin, Los Angeles
Yamamoto, Eric R., Law Offices of Eric R. Yamamoto, Los Angeles
Rothman, Lisabeth, O’Connor Cochran, Los Angeles
Ingham, Samuel, Law Offices of Samuel D. Ingham III, Los Angeles
Zuckerman, Michael J., Law Office of Michael J. Zuckerman, Glendale
Sinclair, Murray, Murray M. Sinclair & Associates, Los Angeles
Kerendian, Shawn S., Keystone Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-444-9060
Smith, Alfred E., Nossaman, Los Angeles
Kim, David, Wright Kim Douglas, Glendale
ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION Bright, Maureen J., Bright and Brown, Glendale Kulkarni, Amrit S., Meyers Nave, Los Angeles
ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION Adler, Eric R., Magee & Adler, Long Beach Aikin, Thomas C., Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles Babrick, Jessica G., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles Barbaro, Jr., Philip, Barbaro Chinen Pitzer & Duke, Pasadena Barry, Jared A., Barry Law Group, Encino, 818-789-9444 Pg. S-47 Bergman, Beti Tsai, Peninsula Law, Torrance, 310-694-8703 Pg. S-47 Brar, Vikram, Law Office of Vikram Brar, Glendale Bronshteyn, Yasha, Ginzburg & Bronshteyn, Los Angeles
ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE Agran, Michael C., Valensi Rose, Los Angeles
Krasilovsky, Seth, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Aikenhead, David S., Aikenhead Cipes & Supanich, Los Angeles
Kwan, Verlan Y., Keystone Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-444-9060
Alexander, Lisa C., Jakle & Alexander, Santa Monica, 310-395-6555
Ladley, Candace K., Attorney at Law, Burbank
LISA C. ALEXANDER
Lemmons, Phillip C., The Legacy Lawyers, Fountain Valley
JAKLE & ALEXANDER, LLP Santa Monica • 310-395-6555
Lester, Mark A., Jones Lester Schuck Becker & Dehesa, Camarillo
www.jaklelaw.com
Asher, Afshin A., Asher Law Group, Los Angeles
Lodise, Margaret G., Sacks Glazier Franklin & Lodise, Los Angeles Pg. S-10 McMurtrey, Matthew W., Sacks Glazier Franklin & Lodise, Los Angeles Mendlin, Joyce S., Rosenberg Mendlin & Rosen, Santa Monica
Barnett, Leslie A., Law Office of Leslie Barnett, Los Angeles Bawden, Elizabeth A., Withers Bergman, Los Angeles Bishop, Leah M., Loeb & Loeb, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Mermelstein, F. Edie, FEM Law Group, Huntington Beach
Borofsky, Gary M., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Miliband, Nikki Presley, Good Wildman, Irvine, 949-955-1100
Bradford, Christopher T., Scherer & Bradford, Los Angeles
Byam, Clark R., Hahn & Hahn, Pasadena
Moten, Keith J., Moten & Associates, Los Angeles, 213-943-1466
Brandlin, Brian R., Burkley Brandlin & Swatik, Torrance
Carico, Christopher D., Carico Macdonald Kil & Benz, El Segundo Pg. S-8
Ozawa, Russell Masao, KFB Rice, Torrance
Brown, David A., Brown & Streza, Irvine
Park, Diane Y., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Brown, Matt, Brown & Streza, Irvine Pg. S-12
Rahn, Scott E., RMO, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Bursk, Bonnie Marie, Savin Bursk, Granada Hills
Cohen, Jeffrey S., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles
Roshan, Benazeer (Benny), Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Byrne, John M., Hill Farrer & Burrill, Los Angeles
Cohen, Paul F., Cohen Law Partners, Los Angeles
Ross, Bruce S., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles
Cooley, Susan J., Oldman Cooley Sallus Birnberg Coleman & Gold, Encino
Rummel, Blake A., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Chae, Chang H., Hoffman Sabban & Watenmaker, Los Angeles
Cosio, R. M. Anthony, Law Office of R. M. Anthony Cosio, Long Beach
Sacks, Robert N., Sacks Glazier Franklin & Lodise, Los Angeles
Cutler, Stefanie S., Ruttenberg Cutler Broomer, Los Angeles
Schindler, Trudi, Schindler Eyrich, Los Angeles
Brophy, Michael S., Withers Bergman, Los Angeles
Chen, Jackson, Attorney at Law, Beverly Hills Chung, Lynda I., Valensi Rose, Los Angeles
Catalino, Cynthia, Catalino Law, Los Angeles
Chinski, Tobi J., Law Office of Tobi J. Chinski, Los Angeles Chou, Brian Y., BarthCalderon, Orange Chudd, Reeve E., Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
Depew, Brenda, Hinojosa & Forer, Los Angeles
Schomer, Scott P., Schomer Law Group, El Segundo
Devermont, Susan Barlevav, Hinojosa & Forer, Los Angeles
Shapiro, David A., Law Office of David A. Shapiro, Los Angeles
Esquibias, David A., Law Office of David A. Esquibias, Westlake Village
Sherak, David, Vogt Resnick Sherak, Newport Beach
Forer, Jeffrey, Hinojosa & Forer, Los Angeles
Singhal, Dheeraj K., DCDM Law Group, Pasadena
Franklin, Terrence M., Sacks Glazier Franklin & Lodise, Los Angeles
Stein, Matthew G., Law & Stein, Irvine
Cutrow, Allan B., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Streisand, Adam F., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Daff, Leslie R., Estate Plan, Laguna Beach
Glazier, Kenneth M., Sacks Glazier Franklin & Lodise, Los Angeles Gokal, Abbas K., Gokal Law Group, Foothill Ranch
Taylor, Joshua D., Keystone Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-444-9060
Gonzalez, Jamie N., Oldman Cooley Sallus Birnberg Coleman & Gold, Encino Pg. S-10
Thoreen, Vivian Lee, Holland & Knight, Los Angeles
Clarkson, Paula, Merhab Robinson & Clarkson, Santa Ana Cox, Cynthia R., Cox Law Group, Torrance Pg. S-10 Crane, Kathleen D., Kathleen D. Crane, El Segundo
De Francisco, Jeffrey, Presidio, Pasadena Devore, Kenneth E., Kenneth E. Devore & Associates, Westlake Village CONTINUED ON PAGE S-32
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-31
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE CONT’D FROM PAGE S-31
Levitch, Burt, Rosenfeld Meyer & Susman, Beverly Hills
Dominick, Thomas W., Fullerton Lemann Schaefer & Dominick, San Bernardino
Lurie, Jonathan C., Venable, Los Angeles
Doyle, Mark C., Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, Irvine Drucker, Joelle M., Drucker Law Offices, Beverly Hills
Macdonald, Bruce M., Carico Macdonald Kil & Benz, El Segundo Magasinn, Michael L., Law Offices of Michael L. Magasinn, Westlake Village
Thyne, Rebecca J., Lagerlof, Pasadena Tisser, Doron M., Tisser Law Group, Encino Torii, John S., Law Office of John S. Torii, Torrance Trytten, Steven E., Henderson Caverly Pum & Trytten, Pasadena VanConas, Kendall A., Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel, Oxnard, 805-988-9886
Edsall, David, Edsall Law, Camarillo
Magasinn, Vicki Fisher, Magasinn & Feldman, Culver City
Eisen, Jeffrey K., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Magee, Scott R., Magee & Adler, Long Beach
Vollmer, Michael V., Murtaugh Treglia Stern & Deily, Irvine
Marcus, Fred J., Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles
Wakeman, J. Peter, Wakeman Law Group, Westlake Village
Martin, Agnes Ordubegian, Martin Law Group, Burbank
Weiner, Christine C., Christine C. Weiner, Irvine
Elbaz, David J., Kopple Klinger & Elbaz, Los Angeles Feinman, Abby, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles Feldman, Yacoba Ann, Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman, Woodland Hills
Masteller, Kira S., Lewitt Hackman, Encino Mc Jilton, Willow A., Willow Law Group Inc., Los Angeles
Finestone, William, Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3868 Pg. S-10
Meyer, Charles D., Meyer & Felsen, Los Angeles
Forster, Jonathan S., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Morgan, Darlynn C., Darlynn C. Morgan Law, Newport Beach
Yaroslow, Gerald M., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles Zwicker, Laura A., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
FAMILY LAW
Mulrooney, Michele M., Venable, Los Angeles
Abernathy, Christopher R., Christopher R. Abernathy, Rancho Cucamonga
Nassar, William M., Law Offices of William M. Nassar & Associates, Redlands
Aharonov, Amir, Aharonov & Revy Family Law, Encino
Golbert, Miriam J., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles
Neumann, Martin A., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Amen, Shani Braffman, Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside, Los Angeles
Grebe, Sibylle, The Probate House, Torrance Pg. S-10
Noyes, Kristine M., Fiduciary Law Services, Woodland Hills
Andrews, Ashley A., Ashley A. Andrews, Arcadia
Handy, Nelson J., Fiduciary Law Services, Woodland Hills
Orren, Lowell, Orren & Orren, Pasadena
Hartmann, Wendy E., Law Offices of Wendy E. Hartmann, Glendale
Phillips, Mark J., Lewitt Hackman, Encino Pg. S-8
Baker, Brian Alan, Law Offices of Kearney | Baker, Pasadena
Hawekotte, Angela, Angela Hawekotte, Pasadena
Port, Mitchell A., Law Office of Mitchell A. Port, Los Angeles
Balian, Andrea Fugate, Harris • Ginsberg, Los Angeles
Heller, Lawrence H., Greenberg Traurig, Los Angeles
Rogers, Jr., John T., Rogers Trust Law, Los Angeles
Barnett, Stephanie M., Barnett Law Group, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Hoffman, Paul Gordon, Hoffman Sabban & Watenmaker, Los Angeles
Salvo, Alice A., Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo, Woodland Hills
Barsegian, Ana, Law Office of Ana Barsegian, Glendale
Howard, Nancy E., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Sandoval, Dennis M., Sandoval Legacy Group A division of Holstrom Block & Parke, Riverside
Baum, David H., The Law Offices of David H. Baum, Woodland Hills
Johnson, Christopher B., Law Office of Christopher B. Johnson, Glendora
Schaller, Gordon A., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Irvine
Bayati, Brian A., Bayati Law Group, Newport Beach, 949-798-5700
Johnston, Carol A., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles
Schwartz, David P., Schwartz & Shapiro, Los Angeles
Bennett, Leon F., Law Offices of Leon F. Bennett, Woodland Hills
Kabrins, Ronald M., Attorney at Law, Beverly Hills Kaiser, Curtis M., Kaiser Law Group, Long Beach
Shore, Sussan H., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles Pg. S-8, S-10
Bennett, Roberta B., Bennett & Ginzburg, Beverly Hills
Kanin, Paul R., Kanin Soffer, Beverly Hills
Slater, Calvin A., Slater Cosme, Pasadena
Berenji, Hossein F., Berenji & Associates, Beverly Hills
Kass, Gail Diane, Attorney at Law, Los Angeles
Smith, Paul K., Smith & Myers, Los Angeles
Keesey, Deborah, Hansen Seto Keesey, Torrance
Smith, W. Bailey, Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, Irvine
Kil, Angela, Carico Macdonald Kil & Benz, El Segundo
Soffer, David, Kanin Soffer, Beverly Hills
Blum, Stephanie I., Reuben Raucher & Blum, Los Angeles
Kim, Ernest J., Law Offices of Ernest J. Kim, Tustin
Solarz, Neil, Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Klapach, Tali Z., Klapach & Klapach, Sherman Oaks
Bogosian, Matthew R., Holstrom Block & Parke, Newport Beach
Spiro, Randy M., Altshuler & Spiro, Beverly Hills
Bohen, Mary Catherine M., Law Offices of Mary Catherine M. Bohen, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Gaulke, Paul, Hromadka & Gaulke, Los Angeles Geida, Jeffrey P., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles Goel, Monica, TLD Law, Long Beach
Pettler, Peter D., Pettler & Miller, Torrance
Klinger, Leslie S., Kopple Klinger & Elbaz, Los Angeles
Stern, Ellis R., Stern & Goldberg, Encino
Kossoff, Kenneth, Panitz & Kossoff, Westlake Village
Strauss, Robert E., Weinstock Manion, Los Angeles
Kundani, Lalit, Bridge Law, Anaheim, 714-525-2400
Swatik, Mark E., Burkley Brandlin & Swatik, Torrance
Leese, James K., Ferruzzo & Ferruzzo, Newport Beach, 949-608-6900
Taaff, Barbara L., Kenneth E. Devore & Associates, Westlake Village
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Stern, Marc M., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Anteau, Ronald W., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-11
Block, Carrie, Holstrom Block & Parke, Newport Beach
Bollinger, Jeffrey, The Law Office of Jeffrey Bollinger, Los Angeles Borsky, Robert, Law Office of Robert Borsky, Woodland Hills Brandon, Lisa E., Brandon Law Group, Seal Beach Brandt, Robert C., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-8, S-11
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Breddan, Matthew A., The Reape-Rickett Law Firm, Calabasas
Eliaser, James R., The Law Offices of James R. Eliaser, Los Angeles
Hammers, Barbara, Hammers & Baltazar, Los Angeles
Briggs, Steven E., Attorney at Law, Newport Beach
Epstein, Larry, The Reape-Rickett Law Firm, Valencia
Harris, Suzanne, Harris • Ginsberg, Los Angeles
Brot, Ronald F., Brot Gross Fishbein, Sherman Oaks Brown, Karen S., Law Office of Karen S. Brown, Los Angeles, 323-274-2697 Pg. S-47 Bryan, Sharon A., Moore Bryan Schroff & Inoue, Torrance, 310-540-8855 Pg. S-10, S-47 Bui, Bichhanh (Hannah), H Bui Law Firm, Pasadena
Hensel, Donald J., Bartell Hensel & Gressley, Riverside
Fingerett, Wallace S., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-11
Herring, Gregory, Herring Law Group, Santa Barbara
Fleishman, Bobette, Law Offices of Bobette Fleishman, Westlake Village
Herzog, Wendy A., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles
Forman, Judith R., Law Offices of Judith R. Forman, Manhattan Beach
Hittelman, Steven G., Hittelman Strunk Law Group, Newport Beach
Frank, Debra S., Debra S. Frank, Los Angeles
Hoffer, Jeffrey, Law Offices of Jeffrey L. Hoffer, Agoura Hills
Burch, Robert, Burch Shepard Family Law Group, Newport Beach, 949-502-4400
Friedlander, Michele Cobin, Law Offices of Michele Cobin Friedlander, Encino
Burt, Nancy L., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-11
Gantman, Robert, Law Offices of Robert Gantman, Sherman Oaks
Buttacavoli, Matthew S., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach, 949-724-1111
Garikian, Ani M., Law Offices of Ani M. Garikian, Glendale
Castillo, Gina M., Law Offices of Gina M. Castillo, Los Angeles
Gelbart, Saul M., Stegmeier Gelbart Schwartz & Benavente, Irvine
Chason, John B., Chason Family Law, Beverly Hills, 424-284-4036
Gershenson, Mark, Attorney at Law, Palm Springs
JOHN B. CHASON CHASON FAMILY LAW, P.C. Beverly Hills • 424-284-4036
www.chasonfamilylaw.com
Holmes, Robert K., Holmes & Holmes, Glendale Holstrom, Dayn A., Holstrom Block & Parke, Corona Hoover, Sarah J., Hoover Law, Los Angeles Jacobson, Jeffery S., Jacobson Scully, El Segundo Jaffe, Daniel J., Jaffe Family Law Group, Los Angeles Jamra, Basel G., Jamra & Jamra, Beverly Hills
Gillespie, Kate E., The Gillespie Law Firm, Los Angeles
Jamra, Grace A., Jamra & Jamra, Beverly Hills
Gilligan, John J., Gilligan Frisco & Trutanich, Long Beach, 562-431-2000 Pg. S-48
Jeang, Evie P., Ideal Legal Group, Alhambra, 626-569-1882
Ginsberg, Larry A., Harris • Ginsberg, Los Angeles
Jessner, Gregory W., Phillips Jessner, Los Angeles
Chroman, Steven, Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, Valencia
Ginzburg, Alexander R., Ginzburg & Bronshteyn, Los Angeles
Cogan, Ram F., Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles
Glass, David J., Enenstein Pham & Glass, Los Angeles
Cooper, Avery M., Avery M. Cooper, Santa Monica
Glavin, IV, William P., Law Offices of William P. Glavin, El Segundo
Katz, Michelle, Law & Mediation Offices of Michelle Katz, Los Angeles
Cooperman, Bruce E., Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles
Gold, Aimee H., Gold Family Law, Los Angeles
Kearney, Gary W., Law Offices of Kearney | Baker, Pasadena
Cowhig, John S., Law Offices of John S. Cowhig, Irvine Pg. S-12 Criste, Virginia, Attorney at Law, Palm Springs Cristiano, Eugene F., Cristiano & Lillard, Covina Curtin, Judi A., Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, Newport Beach Davisson, Daniel, Law Offices of Davisson & Davisson, Van Nuys DeCarolis, Jr., Patrick, DeCarolis Family Law Group, Los Angeles Dockstader, Janet, Dockstader Orliczky, Seal Beach Dolnick, Keith E., Law Offices of Keith E. Dolnick, Irvine Donahoe, Karen Phillips, Law Offices of Karen P. Donahoe, Los Angeles Donnelly, Douglas R., Law Offices of Douglas R. Donnelly, Santa Barbara Dresben, Fred C., Law Office of Fred C. Dresben, Sherman Oaks Dujan, Sonia B., Law Offices of Sonia B. Dujan, Woodland Hills Durant, James A., James A. Durant, Los Angeles
Kane, Paula, Law Offices of Paula Kane, Los Angeles, 310-550-9123 Kaplan, Janet, Kaplan | Wanger, Los Angeles
Gold, Daniel R., Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, Irvine
Kianfar, Sharon, Law & Mediation Office of Sharon S. Kianfar, Woodland Hills
Goldman, Laurence R., The Reape-Rickett Law Firm, Calabasas
Kiley, Anne C., Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside, Los Angeles
Goldwater, Douglas K., Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, Westlake Village
Kiriakidis, Lisa, Law Offices of Lisa E. Kiriakidis, Pasadena
Goodman, Diane, Law & Mediation Office of Diane M. Goodman, Encino
Klausner, Andrew, Klausner | Johnson, Irvine
Gordon, Errol J., Gordon | Gordon | Lawyers, Los Angeles
Kleeman, Dena A., Kleeman • Kremen Family Lawyers, Beverly Hills, 310-247-0727 Pg. S-50
Grager, Alex, Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-11
Klein, Samantha, Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles
Granowitz, Richard A., Granowitz White & Weber, San Bernardino
Kline, Jeremy B., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-11
Graves, Demetria, The Graves Law Firm, Pasadena
Klopert, Scott M., Klopert & Ravden, Encino
Green, Megan E., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-11 Greene, Vicki J., Law Offices of Vicki J. Greene, Los Angeles, 310-282-8302
Kutinsky, Laurence A., Law Offices of Laurence Kutinsky, Newport Beach Land, Joseph, Land Legal Group, Los Angeles Landesman, Laura, Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles
VICKI J. GREENE
Langlois, Joseph A., Langlois Family Law, Calabasas
LAW OFFICES OF VICKI J. GREENE, APLC Los Angeles • 310-282-8302
Lauzon, Peter A., Lauzon Paluch, Los Angeles
www.vgreenelaw.com
Lazarus, Steven W., The Fertility & Adoption Law Offices of Steven W. Lazarus, Marina del Rey
Edwards-Swift, Pamela, Edwards-Swift & Associates, Chino Hills
Haapala, Michael J., Des Jardins & Haapala, Orange
Eisenberg, Donald S., The Law Office of Donald S. Eisenberg, Seal Beach
Hagopian, Diana D., Hagopian & Associates, Encino
Eisfelder, Robert W., Law Offices of Robert W. Eisfelder, Los Angeles, 310-820-4500 Pg. S-48
Hallett, James M., Law Office of James M. Hallett, Manhattan Beach
Lazor, John Adam, LazorLaw, Culver City Leichter, Alexandra, Leichter Leichter-Maroko, Beverly Hills CONTINUED ON PAGE S-34
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 FAMILY LAW CONT’D FROM PAGE S-33
Parke, James R., Holstrom Block & Parke, Newport Beach Pg. S-12
Shepard, Courtney L., Burch Shepard Family Law Group, Newport Beach, 949-502-4400
Lepak, Brian P., Brian Lepak & Associates, Los Angeles
Pedersen, Craig S., Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles, 310-277-9747 Pg. S-2
Sheridan, M. Lynda, Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan, Los Angeles, 310-286-7211
Lerner, Marc, Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3400 Pg. S-10
Petkin, Lauren S., Lauren S. Petkin Family Law and Mediation, Beverly Hills
Shornick, Melanie, Law Office of Melanie Shornick, Beverly Hills
Levine, Marci R., Summers Levine & Kretzmer, Los Angeles
Phillips, Ben, Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca & Curtin, Newport Beach
Shulman, Maya, Shulman Family Law Group, Calabasas
Levy, Avi, Trabolsi | Levy | Gabbard, Los Angeles
Phillips, Patricia, Phillips Jessner, Los Angeles
Silver, Michael J., Silver & Arsht, Westlake Village
Loftin, A. Stephanie, Long Beach Law, Long Beach
Phillips, Stacy D., Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3400 Pg. S-8, S-10
Slevin, Hillary, Law Offices of Hillary Slevin, Beverly Hills
Pines, Cari M., Pines Law Group, Encino
Slusser, Anne Nakornratana, Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles, 310-277-9747 Pg. S-2
Loos, Joan E., Stegmeier Gelbart Schwartz & Benavente, Irvine Lowy, Dana, Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles, 310-277-9747 Pg. S-2
Praver, David L., Taylor McCord Praver & Cherry, Ventura
Luna, Fernando M., Law Office of Fernando M. Luna, Pasadena
Provinziano, Alphonse Francis, Provinziano & Associates, Beverly Hills
Spiegel, Lance S., Young Spiegel Hillman & Hosp, Beverly Hills
Malatesta, Ian, Law Offices of Ian C. Malatesta, Calabasas
Quinley, Shanon, Law Offices of Shanon K. Quinley, Pasadena
Stanley, Robert W., Rosenfeld Meyer & Susman, Beverly Hills
Mansfield, Baden V., Law Offices of Baden V. Mansfield, Manhattan Beach
Ratinoff, Joanne D., The Ratinoff Law Group, Los Angeles
Stanton, Harold J., Stanton Law Corp., Woodland Hills, 818-501-4224 Pg. S-52
Martinez, Diana L., Law & Mediation Office of Diana L. Martinez, Chino
Rickert, Kelly Chang, Law and Mediation Office of Kelly Chang, Pasadena, 626-765-5767 Pg. S-10
Stearns, Ryan, Stearns Kim Stearns & Ryan, Torrance
McGaughey, Erin, McGaughey & Spirito, Redondo Beach Pg. S-10
Rigdon, Patricia A., Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon, Pasadena
Stein, Ellyn J., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles
McNamara, Barbara, The Law Office of Barbara E. McNamara, Huntington Beach
Rogers, Dorie A., Law Offices of Dorie A. Rogers, Orange
Medina, Randy W., Law Office of Randy W. Medina, Pasadena, 626-432-1975 Pg. S-51
Rombro, S. Roger, Rombro & Manley, Manhattan Beach, 310-545-1900 Pg. S-12
Meyer, Lisa Helfend, Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles, 310-277-9747 Pg. S-2, S-10
Rosenberg, Charles, Law Offices of Charles Rosenberg, Los Angeles
Meyers, Felicia R., Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles, 310-277-9747 Pg. S-2
Roxas, Sandy K., Roxas Law, Torrance
Mindel, Steven A., Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein, Los Angeles, 310-447-8675 Pg. S-8, S-11 Minyard, Mark E., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach, 949-724-1111 Pg. S-8, S-12
Royce, Kristina C., Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3808 Pg. S-10 Saei, Atousa, Law Offices of Atousa Saei, Santa Monica, 310-855-3386
Soodik, Lynn, Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Stitch, Ronald K., Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, Westlake Village Strunk, Kerri L., Hittelman Strunk Law Group, Newport Beach Sturman, Jeff M., Sturman Law Group, Los Angeles Summers, Jon S., Summers Levine & Kretzmer, Los Angeles Takesh Hallin, Fahi, Harris • Ginsberg, Los Angeles Terrazas, III, Joseph R., Law Office of Joseph R. Terrazas III, Pasadena Thomas, Edward J., Law Office of Edward J. Thomas, Bakersfield
Moder, Ann, Brot Gross Fishbein, Sherman Oaks
Sale, Lisa A., Law Office of Lisa A. Sale, Westlake Village, 805-379-6711
Moore, Christopher, Moore Bryan Schroff & Inoue, Torrance
Salick, Nicholas A., Salick Family Law Group, Beverly Hills
Morris, Michael A., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach, 949-724-1111 Pg. S-12
Saltsman, Jane D., Jane D. Saltsman, Van Nuys
Torres, Yolanda V., Law Firm of Yolanda V. Torres, Santa Ana, 714-541-5400
Santucci, Robyn C., Santucci Family Law, Los Angeles
Treusch, Bradford L., Law Offices of Bradford L. Treusch, Beverly Hills
Moss, Chandra L., Holstrom Block & Parke, Corona
Thompson, Byron C., Thompson & Thompson, Claremont
Schanz, Adam N., Schanz, Manhattan Beach
Murawski, Roberta L., Law Office of Roberta L. Murawski, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Trope, Michael L., Trope Fein, Beverly Hills
Schibel, Robert L., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles
Myers, Sterling E., SterlingMediation, Arcadia
Schilling, John R., Attorney at Law, Newport Beach
Tuttle, Thomas W., Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, Newport Beach Pg. S-12
Nathans, Michael H., Nathans Family Law, Los Angeles
Schwartz, Glen H., Glen H. Schwartz, Beverly Hills
Twining, Christine V., The Law Office of Christine V. Twining, Los Angeles
Nellis, Vanessa Soto, Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Scott, Tara, The Law and Mediation Offices of Tara Scott, Beverly Hills
Van Oorschot, Marlo, Van Oorschot Law Group, Los Angeles
Scully, Elizabeth Potter, Jacobson Scully, El Segundo
Velen, Rozanna M., Korol & Velen, Encino
Nelson, Paul, Nelson Kirkman, Newport Beach, 949-760-8888 Nesburn, Judith C., Law Offices of Judith C. Nesburn, Los Angeles Nia, Firoozeh, Nia Law Group, Encino Norton, Cathleen E., Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton, Beverly Hills Olson, Doreen Marie, Meyer Olson Lowy & Meyers, Los Angeles, 310-277-9747 Pg. S-2 Pakravan, Jonathan, Law Office of Jonathan Pakravan, Beverly Hills Park, Ji, Park Family Law, Beverly Hills
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Seastrom, Brian, Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, Newport Beach Pg. S-12 Seastrom, Philip G., Seastrom Tuttle & Murphy, Newport Beach Pg. S-12 Seide, Lonnie K., Minyard Morris, Newport Beach, 949-724-1111 Shear, Leslie Ellen, Law Office of Leslie Ellen Shear, Encino Pg. S-10 Shebby, David P., Shebby • Hirashima, Los Angeles
Waller, Marshall, Feinberg & Waller, Calabasas Pg. S-8 Walzer, Peter M., Walzer Melcher, Woodland Hills, 818-591-3700 Pg. S-8 Wasser, Dennis M., Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles Wasser, Laura A., Wasser Cooperman & Mandles, Los Angeles Pg. S-10 Webster, J. Michael, Webster Kaplan Sprunger, Los Angeles CONTINUED ON PAGE S-36
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 FAMILY LAW CONT’D FROM PAGE S-34
Wegner, Talitha, Davies Wegner, Los Angeles, 310-481-0300 Weiss, Steven L., The Reape-Rickett Law Firm, Calabasas Whyte, Nicole, Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara, Newport Beach Pg. S-10, S-12 Wilkins, Michael, Law Offices of Michael D. Wilkins, Newport Beach
Katz, Jared M., Mullen & Henzell, Santa Barbara Keller, Kent R., Hinshaw & Culbertson, Los Angeles Kossoff, Alan R., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica Lack, Walter J., Engstrom Lipscomb & Lack, Los Angeles Lapidus, Daniel C., Lapidus & Lapidus, Beverly Hills
Gertler, Gary B., McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles Gordon, Eric B., McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles Hatch, David A., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles Hatcher, Linda O., Theodora Oringher, Los Angeles
Lazenby, Richard A., Victor Rane, Beverly Hills
Hellow, John R., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Lee, Timothy R., Law Offices of Timothy R. Lee, Los Angeles
Henninger, David P., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Yamamoto, David K., Law Offices of David K. Yamamoto, Torrance
Lytel, Diana P., Lowthorp Richards McMillan Miller & Templeman, Oxnard
Hersh, Sara E., Nelson Hardiman, Los Angeles
Yoda, Steven K., Walzer Melcher, Woodland Hills
MacIsaac, Suann C., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica Pg. S-8, S-10
Young, Kenneth M., Young Spiegel Hillman & Hosp, Beverly Hills
Malzahn, Scott M., Baker Marquart, Los Angeles
Kadzielski, Mark A., Baker & Hostetler, Los Angeles
Zipperman, Barbara Irshay, The Law and Mediation Offices of Barbara Irshay Zipperman, Encino
Marcus, David C., Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, Los Angeles
Kase, Beth, Fenton Law Group, Los Angeles
McNeil, Malcolm, Arent Fox, Los Angeles
Keville, Terri D., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Zitser, Diana P., Zitser Family Law Group, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Melius, Amber, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Zolla, Deborah Elizabeth, Zolla Law, Los Angeles
Kirkpatrick, Alexander W., Fenton Law Group, Los Angeles
Owens, Stephen T., The Owens Firm, Los Angeles
Zolla, Marshall S., Zolla Law, Los Angeles
Parvaneh, Ali, Madison Law, Irvine
Klein, Eric A., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Zonder, Lisa, Zonder Family Law Group, Thousand Oaks
Pauly, Andrew S., Shoreline, Santa Monica
Witting, Susan, Law Offices of Susan H. Witting, Thousand Oaks Wolf, Douglas J., Douglas J. Wolf, Woodland Hills
Pfister, Robert J., KTBS Law, Los Angeles
FRANCHISE/DEALERSHIP Cole, Brian H., Chase Law Group, Manhattan Beach Costello, Kenneth R., Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Santa Monica Davey, Gerard, Davey Law Corp., Newport Beach Grinblat, Tal, Lewitt Hackman, Encino Gurnick, David, Lewitt Hackman, Encino Pg. S-8 Kurtz, Barry, Lewitt Hackman, Encino Mohajerian, Al, Mohajerian Law Corp., Los Angeles Spandorf, Rochelle B., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Ramey, John F., Ramey Law, Los Angeles Segal, Lawrence, Segal Law Group, Beverly Hills, 310-550-4840 Sergenian, David A., Sergenian Ashby, Los Angeles Siegel, Amnon Z., Miller Barondess, Los Angeles Thakur, Pamela Tahim, Thakur Law Firm, Fullerton Thomas, Michael Paul, Law Office of Michael Paul Thomas, Laguna Niguel
Solomon, Stephen Warren, Solomon Saltsman & Jamieson, Los Angeles
Lawrence, Paul F., McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles Lee, Tin Kin, Tin Kin Lee Law Offices, South Pasadena Levy-Biehl, Hope R., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles Lovich, Richard A., Law Offices of Stephenson Acquisto & Colman, Burbank Lucas, Carol K., Buchalter, Los Angeles Lundy, Jr., Robert W., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles Mancino, Douglas M., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles
Wong Yang, Debra, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Marsden, Nina Adatia, Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Zohar, Daniel Y., Zohar Law Firm, Los Angeles
McMahon, Raymond J., Doyle Schafer McMahon, Irvine
GOVERNMENT FINANCE GAMING
Hooper, Patric, Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Hunt, Donald L., Norton Rose Fulbright, Los Angeles
HEALTH CARE
Miller, Jeremy N., Miller Health Law Group, Los Angeles Mills, John Alfred, Nelson Hardiman, Los Angeles Nelson, Harry, Nelson Hardiman, Los Angeles Neroni, Stacie K., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Barta, Theresa, Barta Law, Newport Beach
Oppenheim, Charles B., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Abrishami, Emanuel, One Law Group, Beverly Hills
Bookman, Lloyd A., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Polisky, Robert, Law Offices of Robert A. Polisky, Los Angeles
Bolstad, David C., Safarian Choi & Bolstad, Los Angeles, 213-481-6565
Cook, Emily J., McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles
Rogers-Aberman, Karlene J., Law Offices of Stephenson Acquisto & Colman, Burbank
Cestero, Ricardo P., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Coulson, Dawn M., Epps & Coulson, Torrance Dorros, Torin A., Dorros Law, Beverly Hills
Senelick, Devin M., Hooper Lundy & Bookman, Los Angeles
Fenton, Benjamin J., Fenton Law Group, Los Angeles
Stephenson-Laws, Joy, Law Offices of Stephenson Acquisto & Colman, Burbank
Fenton, Henry, Fenton Law Group, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Ung, Diane, Foley & Lardner, Los Angeles
GENERAL LITIGATION
Chapman, Robert S., Sauer & Wagner, Los Angeles Cohen, Baruch, Law Office of Baruch Cohen, Los Angeles Crowther, Robyn C., Steptoe & Johnson, Los Angeles Holmes, Andrew B., Holmes Taylor Cowan & Jones, Los Angeles
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Fuller, Robert, Nelson Hardiman, Los Angeles
Weese, Esther Chang, McDermott Will & Emery, Los Angeles
Garner, Craig B., Garner Health Law Corp., Marina del Rey
Willick, Daniel H., Law Offices of Daniel H. Willick, Westlake Village
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Yood, Kenneth, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Aguilera, A. Eric, The Aguilera Law Group, Costa Mesa
Zill, Stacey L., Isaacs | Friedberg, Los Angeles
Andrews, Joseph, Andrews & Hensleigh, Los Angeles
IMMIGRATION Asherson, Neville, Immigration Law Firm of Asherson Klein & Darbinian, Beverly Hills, 310-247-6070 Pg. S-37 Ayala, John, Cobos & Ayala, Burbank Darbinian, Anna, Immigration Law Firm of Asherson Klein & Darbinian, Beverly Hills, 310-247-6070 Pg. S-37
Beck, Kelley K., Lindahl Beck, Los Angeles Bidart, Michael J., Shernoff Bidart Echeverria, Claremont, 909-621-4935 Pg. S-7, S-8
Arnold, Larry, Cummins & White, Newport Beach
Blau, David, Blau Keane Law Group, El Segundo Brower, Steven, Brower Law Group, Laguna Hills
Balice, Joseph G., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Bank, Jonathan, Locke Lord, Los Angeles
Brown, Raymond, The Aguilera Law Group, Costa Mesa
Baratta, James Mark, Grant Genovese & Baratta, Irvine
Bruchey, Samuel, Shernoff Bidart Echeverria, Beverly Hills, 310-246-0503 Pg. S-7
Barbanel, Alan H., Barbanel & Treuer, Los Angeles
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-38
Dayzad, Navid, Dayzad Law Offices, Los Angeles Diamante, Alan R., Diamante Law Group, Los Angeles Ehrenpreis, Jeffrey, Ehrenpreis Immigration Law, Los Angeles, 310-553-6600
JEFFREY EHRENPREIS EHRENPREIS IMMIGRATION LAW Los Angeles • 310-553-6600
www.ralphehrenpreis.com
Haight, Catherine, Haight Law Group, Marina del Rey Han, Susan S., Susan S. Han Law Group, Long Beach Hazany, Leon, Law Firm of Leon Hazany & Associates, Los Angeles Hirson, David, David Hirson & Partners, Costa Mesa Huang, Daniel T., Haven Law Group, Monterey Park Ivener, Mark A., Mark A. Ivener, Los Angeles Jacobs, Robert F., Robert F. Jacobs & Associates, Santa Fe Springs Jacobson, Nikki Mehrpoo, The Jacobson Law Firm, Los Angeles Khosravi, John Q., JQK Law Firm, Los Angeles Lucas, Cynthia, Lucas & Barba, Los Angeles Nakamura, Linda Marie, Law Office of Linda Marie Nakamura, Los Angeles Nalbandian, Sassoun, Nalbandian Law, Glendale Padilla, Annaluisa, Padilla Global Law Group, La Habra Poole, Heather L., Heather L. Poole, Pasadena Razi, Mike, Law Offices of Mike Razi, Los Angeles Silver, Darren, Darren Silver & Associates, Los Angeles Tasoff, Richard, Tasoff and Tasoff, Encino Tasoff, Ron, Tasoff and Tasoff, Encino Thomas, Gihan, Law Offices of Gihan L. Thomas, Los Angeles Wilner, Richard M., Wilner & O’Reilly, Orange Wolfsdorf, Bernard P., Wolfsdorf Rosenthal, Santa Monica
INSURANCE COVERAGE Abelson, Michael Bruce, Halpern May Ybarra Gelberg, Los Angeles SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 INSURANCE COVERAGE CONT’D FROM PAGE S-37
Masters, Jeffrey D., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Calkins, Mary Craig, Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3400 Pg. S-10
McInnis, Terrence R., Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, Irvine
Cislo, Daniel M., Cislo & Thomas, Los Angeles
Carmel, Rina, Anderson McPharlin & Conners, Los Angeles
McKennon, Robert J., McKennon Law Group, Newport Beach, 949-387-9595
Daly, Thomas J., Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, Glendale
Cohen, Michael L., Michael L. Cohen, Los Angeles
Moore, Meka, Selman Breitman, Los Angeles
Gatien, Konrad, Keats Gatien, Beverly Hills
Cohen, Nancy S., Lathrop GPM, Los Angeles Cohn, Stephan S., Berger Kahn, Irvine
Moore, Valerie A., Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles
Goldstein, Mark, SoCal IP Law Group, Westlake Village
Collins, Richard T., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444
Oken, David H., Law Offices of David H. Oken, Simi Valley
Grabell, J. Alison, MarkStarLaw, Los Angeles
Crane, Steven M., Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal, Los Angeles
O’Neill, Michael J., The Miller Law Firm, Woodland Hills
Briggs, Jeffrey C., Briggs Law, Thousand Oaks Canady, Karen S., Canady + Lortz, Los Angeles
Greaves, Deborah E., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills
Pasich, Kirk, Pasich, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Hamideh, Bassil A., The Hamideh Firm, Los Angeles
Ponder, Teresa R., Berger Kahn, Irvine
Hamilton, Jennifer, Avyno Law, Encino
De Jong, Jared, Payne & Fears, Irvine
Rees, Robert A., Rees Law Firm, Los Angeles, 310-277-7071
Hansen, Scott R., Viking IP Law, Irvine
Dunakin, Christopher S., Wilcox Dunakin Chrisopoulus, San Juan Capistrano
Roxborough, Nick, Roxborough Pomerance Nye & Adreani, Woodland Hills
Keats, Anthony M., Keats Gatien, Beverly Hills
Echeverria, Ricardo, Shernoff Bidart Echeverria, Claremont, 909-621-4935 Pg. S-7
Schack, David P., Barnes & Thornburg, Los Angeles
Keshishian, Milord, Milord & Associates, Los Angeles
Ellison, Michael W., Smith Ellison, Irvine Erigero, Stephen J., Ropers Majeski, Los Angeles
Scheidemantle, David R., Scheidemantle Law Group, Pasadena
Lindsey, Michael K., Steinbrecher & Span, Los Angeles
Ezra, David B., Berger Kahn, Irvine Pg. S-8, S-12
Schrieffer, Paul K., P.K. Schrieffer, West Covina
Perkowski, Peter E., Perkowski Legal, Los Angeles
Feeley, John E., Smith Smith & Feeley, Newport Beach
Scott, Robert K., Law Offices of Robert K. Scott, La Quinta
Pritikin, Lance M., Law Offices of Lance M. Pritikin, Los Angeles
Ford, Caroline Hurtado, Haynes and Boone, Costa Mesa
Selman, Neil, Selman Breitman, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Saivar, Jesse, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Gray, Gary S., Gray•Duffy, Encino
Shaneyfelt, David A., The Alvarez Firm, Calabasas
Supnik, Paul D., Law Office of Paul D. Supnik, Beverly Hills, 310-859-0100 Pg. S-52
Grossman, Evangeline F., Evangeline Fisher Grossman Law, Claremont
Shernoff, William M., Shernoff Bidart Echeverria, Beverly Hills, 310-246-0503 Pg. S-7
Thompson, Ph.D., Sandra P., Finlayson Toffer Roosevelt & Lilly, Irvine, 949-759-3810
Hansen, Lisa Kralik, Cochran Davis & Associates, Palos Verdes Estates
Simon, Craig S., Berger Kahn, Irvine Pg. S-12
Tsang, Mei, Umberg Zipser, Irvine
Sinnott, Randolph P., Sinnott Puebla Campagne & Curet, Los Angeles
Wald, Jane Shay, Irell & Manella, Los Angeles
Crosner, Shaun H., Pasich, Manhattan Beach Darras, Frank N., DarrasLaw, Ontario
Henshall, James F., Selman Breitman, Santa Ana Hoshide, Linda Tai, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, Los Angeles Israel, Mark, Daniels Fine Israel Schonbuch & Lebovits, Los Angeles Jones, Dennis Neil, Myers Widders Gibson Jones & Feingold, Ventura Kaneshiro, Wynn C., Weston & McElvain, El Segundo
Smith, Phillip E., Smith Smith & Feeley, Newport Beach Smith, Stephen E., Smith Smith & Feeley, Newport Beach Susolik, Edward, Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444 Pg. S-8, S-12 Thayer, Sandra Smith, Pasich, Los Angeles Thomas, Scott S., Payne & Fears, Irvine
Heller, Susan L., Greenberg Traurig, Irvine
Weinberg, Steven M., Holmes Weinberg, Malibu Yang, Elizabeth, Law & Mediation Offices of Elizabeth Yang, Monterey Park Yoo, Timothy B., Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lincenberg & Rhow, Los Angeles
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION
Kenna, Timothy W., Freeman Mathis & Gary, Los Angeles
Thornton, Jr., Timothy M., Gray•Duffy, Encino
Adler, Michael S., Tantalo & Adler, Los Angeles
Tittmann, Raymond, Tittmann Weix, Los Angeles
Kornfeld, Linda D., Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3859 Pg. S-10
Arledge, Christopher W., One, Newport Beach
Watnick, Kenneth D., Anderson McPharlin & Conners, Los Angeles
Kosten, Ilya A., Barbanel & Treuer, Los Angeles
Armond, Michelle, Armond Wilson, Newport Beach
Weinreb, Marnin, Weinreb Law Group, Los Angeles
Baker, Ryan G., Baker Marquart, Los Angeles
Lampkin, Lisa, Selman Breitman, Los Angeles Lapine, Ryan, Diamond McCarthy, Los Angeles Lawton, Eric, Law Offices of Eric Lawton, Los Angeles
Weisberg, Gene A., Gladstone Weisberg, Culver City
Bandlow, Lincoln D., Law Offices of Lincoln Bandlow, Los Angeles
Witkin, Gene, Menter & Witkin, Irvine
Barquist, Charles S., Maschoff Brennan, Los Angeles
Leahy, Michael J., Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles
Wollitz, Howard N., Charlston Revich & Wollitz, Los Angeles, 310-551-7006
Berger, Dorian S., Berger & Hipskind, Beverly Hills
Lehavi, Limor, Mokri Vanis & Jones, Newport Beach
Wood, David E., Barnes & Thornburg, Los Angeles
Berman, Rod S., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
Leichenger, Sheryl W., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Littlefield, Wayne B., Musick Peeler & Garrett, Los Angeles
Abel, David B., Law Office of David B. Abel, Manhattan Beach
Mandell, Barbara J., Mandell Damon & Associates, Encino, 818-564-4023
Barsky, Wayne, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
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Berstein, David A., Berstein Law, Newport Beach Bigman, Bennett A., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles Bjorgum, A. Eric, Karish & Bjorgum, Pasadena Bocchieri, Breton (Bret) August, Bocchieri & Lachuk, Los Angeles
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Bonder, Todd W., Rosenfeld Meyer & Susman, Beverly Hills
Kobulnick, Jeffrey, Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8
Brannen, Elizabeth Rogers, Stris & Maher, Los Angeles
Korn, Gregory P., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Brennan, Sterling A., Maschoff Brennan, Irvine
Kroeger, Paul A., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Brenner, Lee S., Venable, Los Angeles Brooks, Sarah S., Venable, Los Angeles Brown, Jr., William J., Brown Wegner, Irvine Brutzkus, Mark D., Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8 Burson, Laura M., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Capoccia, Rachel M., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
Vakil, Imran F., Nexio, Tustin Van den Bosch, Carlo F., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Costa Mesa Van Loon, Erica J., Lathrop GPM, Los Angeles Vidal, Thomas H., Pryor Cashman, Los Angeles Viscounty, Perry J., Latham & Watkins, Costa Mesa
Kump, Michael J., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica
Wang, Benjamin T., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Lander, Todd M., Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles
Wilson, Dennis L., Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Los Angeles
Lapple, Matthew, Lapple Ubell IP Law, Irvine, 949-756-4889
Wise, Michael, Perkins Coie, Los Angeles Zerounian, Raffi V., Hanson Bridgett, Los Angeles
Ledahl, Brian D., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Carsten, Eric J., Carsten Law, Los Angeles
Lee, Irene Y., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Chen, Alan C., Rimon, Los Angeles
Lee, Mark S., Rimon, Los Angeles
Daar, Jeffery, Daar & Newman, Woodland Hills
Lesowitz, Scott M., Lesowitz Gebelin, Beverly Hills
Darraby, Alexandra, The Art Law Firm, Los Angeles
Cordrey, Gregory S., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Irvine Cotman, Daniel, Cotman IP Law Group, Pasadena Dauchot, Luke Lucien, Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles de Bodo, Richard, Theodora Oringher, Los Angeles de Gyarfas, Victor S., Foley & Lardner, Los Angeles
INTERNATIONAL
Lowenstein, Nathan N., Lowenstein & Weatherwax, Los Angeles
Leon de la Barra, Mauricio, Leon de la Barra, Los Angeles
Makous, David N., Lee Hong Degerman Kang & Waimey, Los Angeles
Margolis, Mike, Blank Rome, Los Angeles, 424-239-3400 Pg. S-10
Malmberg, Mieke K., Skiermont Derby, Los Angeles Mankey, Caroline H., Akerman, Los Angeles
LAND USE/ZONING
McBride, Kevin G., Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Irvine
Berkowitz, Ellen, Greenberg Traurig, Los Angeles
McFarland, Larry W., Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Los Angeles
Bley, Kenneth B., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Miller, Scott R., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Block, Alan Robert, Block & Block Inc., Los Angeles
Enzminger, David P., Winston & Strawn, Los Angeles
Miller, Todd R., Vested Law, Pasadena
Fogg, Andrew K., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Fenster, Marc A., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Mizrahi, Mark B., Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles
Finkelstein, Mark A., Umberg Zipser, Irvine
Moss, Aaron J., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Frackman, Russell J., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Naini, Amir A., Proskauer Rose, Los Angeles
Franklin, Darren, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Olson, Jeffrey M., SOA Legal, Los Angeles
Jamieson, Stephen A., Solomon Saltsman & Jamieson, Los Angeles
Pagnanelli, Karin, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Lamport, Stanley W., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Petrich, Louis P., Ballard Spahr, Los Angeles
Mamalakis, Damon P., Armbruster Goldsmith & Delvac, Los Angeles
Delgado, William A., DTO Law, Los Angeles DeVries, Michael W., Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles Dickerson, Jr., Robert W., Burke Williams & Sorensen, Los Angeles Doniger, Stephen, Doniger / Burroughs, Venice
Gerber, Seth M., Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Los Angeles Gignac, J. Paul, JPG Law, Santa Barbara
Mirell, Douglas, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Fraijo Jr., Alfred, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles Gaines, Fred, Gaines & Stacey, Encino Goldsmith, Dale, Armbruster Goldsmith & Delvac, Los Angeles
Nielsen, Mark, Cislo & Thomas, Los Angeles
Gindler, David, Milbank, Los Angeles
Pietrini, Jill M., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Glasser, Lisa Sharrock, Irell & Manella, Newport Beach
Raygor, Kent R., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Reznik, Benjamin M., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
Goldberg, Perry M., Progress, Los Angeles
Roddy, Valerie, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Los Angeles
Rosenthal, Deborah M., FitzGerald Yap Kreditor, Irvine
Rome, Eugene, Rome & Associates, Los Angeles
Tepper, R. Bruce, R. Bruce Tepper, Los Angeles
Rooklidge, William C., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Irvine
Truman, Kathleen O’Prey, Truman and Elliott, Los Angeles
Holcomb, John W., Greenberg Gross, Costa Mesa
Russ, Larry C., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
Waite, David P., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Holmes, James J.S., Clyde & Co, Los Angeles
Schroeder, Robert A., Leech Tishman, Pasadena
Hottinger, Tyson K., Maschoff Brennan, Irvine
Strub, Jr., Michael H., Irell & Manella, Newport Beach
Iser, Lawrence Y., Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump, Santa Monica Pg. S-8
Tehranian, John, One, Newport Beach
Goldman, Jeffrey D., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Goldstein, Justin M., Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles Hoffman, Adam S., Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles
Johnson, Douglas L., Johnson & Johnson, Beverly Hills Katz, Michael I., Maschoff Brennan, Irvine
Merewitz, Seth, Best Best & Krieger, Los Angeles
LEGAL AID/PRO BONO DeCarolis, Matthew E., Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Los Angeles
Thomas, Jeffrey T., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Irvine Torres, Diana, Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles Turner, Ellisen S., Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles
Kornberg, Jessie, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Los Angeles CONTINUED ON PAGE S-40
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-39
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 MEDIA & ADVERTISING
Mall III, William J., Law Office of William J. Mall III, Fullerton
Fisher, Ruth E., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
McClaugherty, Jay S., McClaugherty & Associates, Monrovia
Jassy, Jean-Paul, Jassy Vick Carolan, Los Angeles
McGarry, James J., Law Offices of James J. McGarry, El Segundo, 310-606-8675 Pg. S-50
Niborski, Michael J., Pryor Cashman, Los Angeles Sager, Kelli L., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles Schumann, Kim, Schumann Rosenberg & Arevalo, Costa Mesa Wickers, IV, Alonzo, Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Apfelberg, Andrew M., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Bellah Maguire, Jennifer, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Smith, Andrew O., Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin, Los Angeles Waterkotte, Grant D., Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin, Los Angeles
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF Abkarian, Albert, Albert Abkarian & Associates, Montrose, 855-888-1808 Pg. S-46
ALBERT ABKARIAN ALBERT ABKARIAN & ASSOCIATES Montrose • 855-888-1808
www.abkarianlaw.com
Binder, Richard C., Binder Law Group, Encino Binder, Warren J., Binder Law Group, Encino Biren, Matthew B.F., Biren Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-476-3031
MATTHEW B.F. BIREN BIREN LAW GROUP Los Angeles • 310-476-3031
www.biren.com
Bloomfield, Todd, Rice & Bloomfield, Encino Blumenthal, Howard S., The Barnes Firm, Los Angeles Bobrosky, David B., Lewitt Hackman, Encino Booth, Roger, Booth Law, Torrance Boyle, Kevin R., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Brandt, Brian, Law Offices of Brian Brandt, Upland Breiter, Brian, Law Offices of Brian J. Breiter, Los Angeles
Adams, III, John C., Hunt & Adams, Santa Ana
Brenner, Lauri, AlderLaw, Los Angeles
Adamson, Christopher, Adamson Ahdoot, Los Angeles
Brenner, Robert A., Law Offices of Robert A. Brenner, Woodland Hills
Davis, Eva, Winston & Strawn, Los Angeles
Aitken, Ashleigh E., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana
Broillet, Bruce A., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-8, S-9
Layne, Jonathan K., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Aitken, Christopher R., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana
Bruno, Angela E., Bruno | Nalu, Irvine
Le Pore, III, Vincent J., Brown & Streza, Irvine
Aitken, Wylie A., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana
Bulger, James A., Seber Bulger, Beverly Hills
Sands, David H., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Akiva, Michael A., Jacoby & Meyers, Los Angeles
Burkes, Jennifer P., AlderLaw, Los Angeles
Shaw, Kevin A., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village
Alder, Michael, AlderLaw, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Antablin, Drew, Antablin & Bruce, Los Angeles
Caldwell, Brent W., Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, Huntington Beach
Staley, William C., Law Office of William C. Staley, Woodland Hills
Archer, Steven D., Kiesel Law, Beverly Hills, 310-854-4444
Callahan, Kevin K., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena Pg. S-8
Stemler, Robert, Keesal Young & Logan, Long Beach
Ardalan, P. Christopher, Ardalan & Associates, Newbury Park
Carpenter, John C., Carpenter Zuckerman & Rowley, Beverly Hills
Weirick, Bradford P., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Arzani, Sherwin S., Citywide Law Group, Los Angeles
Carr, James P., Yuhl Carr, Marina Del Rey, 310-827-2800
Asvar, Christopher A., Asvar Law, Los Angeles, 310-442-7700
Carrazco, Angel J., Carrazco Law, Tustin
Berman, Joel J., Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside, Los Angeles Braun, Lawrence M., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Woronoff, Michael A., Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles
Bahan, Cornelius “Neil”, Cornelius P. Bahan, San Clemente
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Abrams, Jeffrey, Jeffrey Abrams, Los Angeles Cafferata, Reynolds T., Rodriguez Horii Choi & Cafferata, Los Angeles
Ball, Stephen C., Ball Bonholtzer & Evans, Pasadena Ballidis, James, Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, Newport Beach Barrett, Joseph M., Affeld Grivakes, Los Angeles
Choi, William C., Rodriguez Horii Choi & Cafferata, Los Angeles
Baruch, Joel, Law Offices of Joel W. Baruch, Irvine
Glick-Atalla, Heather, Glick Atalla, Sherman Oaks
Basile, J. Jude, The Basile Law Firm, San Luis Obispo
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE
Bassell, Torsten M., Lari-Joni & Bassell, Los Angeles Baumgaertner, William G., Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles
Bruno, Keith J., Bruno | Nalu, Irvine Pg. S-12
Chakmakis, George, Chakmakis Law, Beverly Hills Chambers, Gary, Law Offices of Chambers & Noronha, Santa Ana Chang, Deborah, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Cherepinskiy, Dmitriy, Cherepinskiy Law Firm, Los Angeles Cifarelli, Thomas A., Cifarelli Law Firm, Irvine Clayton, Robert R., Taylor & Ring, Manhattan Beach, 310-209-4100 Cohen, Bob M., C and M, Los Angeles Cohn, David K., Chain | Cohn | Stiles, Bakersfield Corwin, Scott J., Scott J. Corwin, Los Angeles Courtney, John K., ADR Services, Los Angeles
Behar, Jeffrey S., Ford Walker Haggerty & Behar, Long Beach
Bausch, Natalie A., Bausch Law Group, Santa Monica
Daglian, Gary K., Daglian Law Group, Glendale
DeGrave, Douglas M., Poliquin & DeGrave, Laguna Hills
Beck, Ronald, Perona Langer Beck Serbin and Harrison, Long Beach, 562-426-6155
Davis, Allan F., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288
Harber, Stephen M., McCune & Harber, Los Angeles
Bentley, Gregory L., Bentley & More, Newport Beach, 949-783-8479 Pg. S-8, S-12
Davis, Steven D., Steven D. Davis Law Group, Culver City
Jamison, Kevin, Jamison Empting Cronin, Los Angeles
Bernard, Stephen, Bernard & Bernard, Los Angeles
De Armas, Lourdes, Dolan Law Firm, Los Angeles
Kramer, Mark, Kramer & Kramer, Santa Monica
Bigelow, David N., AlderLaw, Los Angeles
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De Los Reyes, Anthony, Pocrass & De Los Reyes, Los Angeles
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Deason, Edward J., Law Offices of Edward J. Deason, Torrance
Gilbert, Daniel M., Gilbert & Stern, Los Angeles, 310-553-0350
Kohan, Nicholas P., Kohan & Bablove, Newport Beach
Dempsey, Thomas M., Law Offices of Thomas M. Dempsey, Los Angeles, 310-385-9600
Glotzer, Joshua W., Glotzer & Leib, Los Angeles
Koontz, William, William Koontz and Associates, Palm Desert, 310-473-6521
Denove, John, Cheong Denove Rowell Bennett & Hapuarachy, Los Angeles, 310-277-4857 Dervishian, Abraham, D & Z Law Group, Glendale Diskin, Diana S., Lewis Marenstein Wicke Sherwin & Lee, Woodland Hills Djivre, Alexis B., Law Office of Alexis Djivre, Glendale
Goldberg, Barry P., Barry P. Goldberg, Woodland Hills Pg. S-8
Kornberg, Howard, Howard Craig Kornberg, Los Angeles
Goldberg, Terry M., Goldberg & Gage, Woodland Hills
Krissman, Joel, Krissman & Silver, Long Beach Kubota, Yoshiaki, Kubota & Craig, Irvine
Greene, Browne, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
Lagstein, Eran, Lagstein Law Firm, Los Angeles, 323-330-0507 Pg. S-50
Gross, Arnold W., State Law Firm, Encino
Lallande, M. Lawrence, Lallande Law, Long Beach Pg. S-8
Haffner, Joshua, Haffner Law, Los Angeles
Dominguez, Juan J., The Dominguez Firm, Los Angeles
Haselhoff, Otto L., Law Offices of Otto L. Haselhoff, Santa Monica
Dordick, Gary A., Dordick, Beverly Hills, 310-551-0949 Pg. S-8
Heimanson, Ilan, Heimanson & Wolf, Los Angeles
Douglas, Carl E., Douglas / Hicks Law, Los Angeles Doyle, Conal, Doyle Law, Beverly Hills Dubin, Eric J., Dubin Law Firm, Irvine, 949-477-8040
Heiting, James O., Heiting & Irwin, Riverside, 877-574-6074 Pg. S-49
Lederer, David, Lederer & Nojima, Los Angeles
Hicks, Aaron, Hicks Law Firm, Costa Mesa
Ledger, Emery B., The Ledger Law Firm, Newport Beach
Dwork, Jonathan, Law Offices of Jonathan Dwork, Irvine Pg. S-12
Hiepler, Mark O., Hiepler & Hiepler, Oxnard, 805-988-5833
Easton, Brian W., Easton & Easton, Costa Mesa, 714-850-4590
Homampour, Arash, The Homampour Law Firm, Sherman Oaks Pg. S-8
Easton, W. Douglas, Easton & Easton, Costa Mesa, 714-850-4590
Howard, John H., Lowthorp Richards McMillan Miller & Templeman, Oxnard
Ellis, Tobin D., Ellis Riccobono, Manhattan Beach Ercolani, Russ W., Ercolani Law Group, Thousand Oaks Ernst, Don A., Ernst Law Group, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-0300 Etehad, Simon P., Etehad Law, Beverly Hills Farar, Justin B., Farar & Lewis, Los Angeles, 310-444-1910 Fiore, Jr., Mauro, Law Offices of Mauro Fiore Jr., Monrovia Folinsky, Marni B., Law Office of Marni B. Folinsky, Los Angeles Fornos, Mayra, Fornos Law Firm, Los Angeles Freeman, Stan H., Freeman & Freeman, Woodland Hills
Lari-Joni, Nicole, Lari-Joni & Bassell, Los Angeles
Hernandez, Elizabeth, Dordick, Beverly Hills, 310-551-0948 Hicks, Jamon R., Douglas / Hicks Law, Los Angeles
Ellis, Andrew, Ellis Law, El Segundo, 310-641-3335 Pg. S-8, S-48
Lange, Joseph, Lange, El Segundo Pg. S-8 Lanzetta, Tobin, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
Heller, Stephen, Heller Law Firm, Woodland Hills
Dunbar, Daniel W., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Eisenberg, Lawrence S., Eisenberg & Associates, Irvine
Lamb, Jeffrey, McNicholas & McNicholas, Los Angeles
Lewis, James W., Taylor & Ring, Manhattan Beach, 310-209-4100 Liddy, Donald G., Liddy Law Firm, Pasadena Lovendosky, Keith, Bailey & Partners, Los Angeles Lucas, Spencer, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Lundy, III, Albro L., Baker Burton & Lundy, Hermosa Beach
Howell, Jonathan E., Pocrass & De Los Reyes, Los Angeles
Makkabi, David, Makkabi Law Group, Beverly Hills
Hutchinson, Nicholas M., Johnston Hutchinson & Lira, Los Angeles, 213-542-1978
Malyan, Christina, Malyan Law, Glendale
Jackson, Mitch, Jackson & Wilson, Aliso Viejo
Mandell, Robert J., Mandell Trial Lawyers, Woodland Hills, 818-886-6600 Pg. S-6
Jaramillo, C. Mario, Access Lawyers Group, Pasadena
Manouchehri, Sahm, Century Park Law Group, Los Angeles, 844-444-2754
Jarchi, Robert D., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
Mansell, Robert, Mansell & Mansell, Los Angeles, 323-466-4900 Pg. S-17
Javid, Raphael, The Javid Trial Firm, Los Angeles
ROBERT MANSELL MANSELL & MANSELL, APC Los Angeles • 323-466-4900
Johnson, Casey R., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana Pg. S-12
www.Mansell-Law.com
Johnson, Daniel W., Berglund & Johnson Law Group, Woodland Hills Johnston, Thomas J., Johnston Hutchinson & Lira, Los Angeles, 213-542-1978 Jossen, Sanford, Law Offices of Sanford Jossen, El Segundo
Marcus, Gerald, The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, Calabasas, 818-784-8544 Pg. S-50 Mardirosian, Margarit K., Mardirosian & Mardirosian, Glendale Mardirossian, Garo, Mardirossian & Associates, Los Angeles
Karns, William, Karns & Karns, Los Angeles Kasparian, Aghavni V., KP Law, Pasadena
Marzban, Michael M., Cohen & Marzban Law Corp., Los Angeles
Garcia, D. Bryan, Kiesel Law, Beverly Hills, 310-251-6225
Kazerouni, Mohammad R. (Mike), Kazerouni Law Group, Costa Mesa
Masry, Louanne, Masry Law Firm, Westlake Village Pg. S-10
Geoulla, Daniel D., B & D Law Group, Los Angeles
Kiesel, Paul R., Kiesel Law, Beverly Hills, 310-854-4444 Pg. S-8
McCann, Shawn J., BD&J, Beverly Hills
Gezerseh, Rachel, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Ghatan, Sharen H., California Legal Counsel, Los Angeles
McCormack, Brian J., Callahan & Blaine, Santa Ana, 714-241-4444
Kim, Tae-Yoon, Wilshire Law Firm, Los Angeles, 213-381-9988 Pg. S-13 Kimura, Joshua M., Kimura London & White, Irvine
Ghozland, Michael, Ghozland Law Firm, Los Angeles, 213-334-4570 Pg. S-48
Kirby, Steven, Kirbys Law, Redondo Beach
Gibson, Robert B., Gibson & Hughes, Santa Ana Pg. S-12
Klein, Candice S., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Kitsinian, Nareg S., Kitsinian Law Firm, Van Nuys
McElroy, Stephen K., Carpenter Zuckerman & Rowley, Ojai McMurray, Randy H., McMurray Henriks, Los Angeles, 323-931-6200 McNally, Frank R., McNally Law Office, Pasadena CONTINUED ON PAGE S-42
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-41
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 PERSONAL INJURY CONT’D FROM PAGE S-41
Ramey, Christa Haggai, Ramey Law, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Tedford, II, James R., Tedford & Associates, Pasadena
McNicholas, Patrick, McNicholas & McNicholas, Los Angeles
Ramon, Justina, Ellis Law, El Segundo
Tierney, III, James F., Dolen Tucker Tierney & Abraham, Redlands
Montes de Oca, Christopher, Law Offices of Christopher Montes de Oca, Los Angeles Montevideo, John A., DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, Santa Ana, 714-835-6990 Morrell, III, Rivers J., Law Firm of Rivers J. Morrell III, Mission Viejo Morris, Jr., James A., Morris Law Firm, Burbank Movagar, Nick T., M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers, Los Angeles Nelson, Brian S., Law Offices of Brian Nelson, Beverly Hills Nevell, Todd F., Scolinos Sheldon & Nevell, Pasadena, 626-793-3900 O’Connor, Michael P., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena
Randolph, Donald C., Randolph & Sampson, Santa Monica Ravipudi, Rahul, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Reinard, David J., Law Offices of David Reinard, Los Angeles Riley, Grant K., Riley Law Group, Beverly Hills Ring, David M., Taylor & Ring, Manhattan Beach, 310-209-4100 Pg. S-8
Roberts, Jeffrey, Roberts | Jeandron Law, Newport Beach, 800-441-2756
Victoria, Juan C., McNicholas & McNicholas, Los Angeles
Roberts, Lyssa, Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Wacker, Ted B., Law Offices of Ted B. Wacker, Newport Beach
Osborn, Timothy M., Osborn Law, Bakersfield, 661-322-7400
Ryan, Andrew, The Ryan Law Group, Manhattan Beach, 310-321-4800
Ounjian, Robert J., Carpenter Zuckerman & Rowley, Beverly Hills
Saadian, Bobby, Wilshire Law Firm, Los Angeles, 213-335-2402 Pg. S-13
Pakiz, Derek, The Reeves Law Group, Santa Ana
Saghian, Edwin, Omega Law Group, Beverly Hills
Paoli, William, Paoli & Purdy, Newport Beach
Sardarbegian, Henrik, Sardarbegian Law, Glendale
www.parrislawyers.com
Van Gelder, Alan, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
Vaziri, Siamak, Vaziri Law Group, Los Angeles, 877-777-7993
Rudman, Jeffrey, The Rudman Law Firm, Encino
PARRIS LAW FIRM Lancaster • 661-949-2595
Vahdat, G. Amy, Vahdat & Aboudi, Encino
Rizio, Gregory G., Rizio Lipinsky Law Firm, Riverside
Olan, David R., Olan Law, Santa Monica Pg. S-8
R. REX PARRIS
Tutuyan, Aslin, Mandell Trial Lawyers, Woodland Hills, 818-886-6600 Pg. S-6
Vanni, Gregory R., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena Pg. S-8
Rodriguez, Daniel, Rodriguez & Associates, Bakersfield
Parris, R. Rex, Parris Law Firm, Lancaster, 661-949-2595
Traina, Paul A., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Ritsema, Scott, Bisnar Chase, Newport Beach
Ohanian, Raffi H., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena
Papell, Ronald M., Law Offices of Ronald M. Papell, Los Angeles
Torkzadeh, Reza, TorkLaw, Irvine
Schultz, Thomas A., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Schurmer, Earl, Law Offices of Schurmer and Wood, Oxnard Seck, Ibiere N., Seck Law, Los Angeles Sedrish, Laura Frank, Jacoby & Meyers, Los Angeles Pg. S-10
Waks, Michael D., Law Office of Michael D. Waks, Long Beach Wallace, Bradley S., The Wallace Firm, Encino, 818-476-5998 Weck, Cory R., McCune Wright Arevalo, Ontario Weinstein, Zev Y., Schwimer Weinstein, Santa Monica Weissman, I.Donald, Weissman Law Firm, Woodland Hills Wells, Geoffrey S., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-8, S-9 Wheeler, Alexander R., Parris Law Firm, Lancaster, 661-949-2595
ALEXANDER R. WHEELER PARRIS LAW FIRM Lancaster • 661-949-2595
www.parrislawyers.com
Shaffer, Douglas, Dordick, Beverly Hills, 310-551-0949
Wheeler, Timothy J., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
ROBERT A. PARRIS
Shain, David L., Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, Westlake Village
PARRIS LAW FIRM Lancaster • 661-949-2595
Williams, Antoine D., Williams and Seemen, Los Angeles
Shapiro, Andrew L., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Wolf, Jeffrey, Heimanson & Wolf, Los Angeles
Shapiro, William D., Law Offices of William D. Shapiro, San Bernardino, 909-890-1000 Pg. S-8
Wright, Andrew L., The Law Offices of Andrew L. Wright, Pasadena
Sheldon, Daniel, Scolinos Sheldon & Nevell, Pasadena, 626-793-3900
Yadidi, David, Yadidi Law Firm, Encino
Parris, Robert A., Parris Law Firm, Lancaster, 661-949-2595
www.parrislawyers.com Penn, Michael A., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana Perlstein, John J., Law Offices of John Perlstein, Beverly Hills Pocrass, James L., Pocrass & De Los Reyes, Los Angeles, 310-550-9050 Pg. S-8, S-51 Polos, Peter J., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Poursalimi, Payam, Law Office Payam Y. Poursalimi, Beverly Hills Powell, Daniel P., Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, Pasadena
Simon, Brad M., The Simon Law Group, Santa Ana Pg. S-8, S-12 Simon, Robert T., The Simon Law Group, Hermosa Beach Pg. S-8
Yedidsion, Judith, Yedidsion Seber Yedidsion, Beverly Hills Zograbian, Erik, D & Z Law Group, Glendale Zukor, Abram C., Zukor and Nelson, Beverly Hills
Sitzer, Andrew D., Sitzer Legal, Santa Ana Stern, Morris M., Gilbert & Stern, Los Angeles, 310-553-0350 Stewart, Morgan, Manly Stewart & Finaldi, Irvine
PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: DEFENSE Corson, Paul M., Packer O’Leary & Corson, Glendale
Prentice, Chad M., Maho & Prentice, Santa Barbara
Strongin, Eric, Smith | Hall | Strongin, Ladera Ranch
Puchalt, Ivan, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-9
Sullivan, Jerold (Gene), Sullivan & Sullivan, Manhattan Beach
Pulverman, Martin E., Pulverman & Pulverman, Santa Barbara
Sweat, Steven M., Steven M. Sweat, Los Angeles
DeHaas, Louis (Duke) H., LaFollette Johnson DeHaas Fesler & Ames, Los Angeles
Taillieu, Olivier, The Dominguez Firm, Los Angeles
Endelicato, Constance, Wood Smith Henning & Berman, Los Angeles
Taylor, John C., Taylor & Ring, Manhattan Beach, 310-209-4100 Pg. S-8
Haskins, Angela S., Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles
Pulverman, Raymond J., Pulverman & Pulverman, Santa Barbara Rafii, Daniel J., Rafii & Associates, Beverly Hills
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Daehnke, Patricia Egan, Collinson Daehnke Inlow & Greco, Torrance
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Hewitt, Stephen L., Hewitt & Raphael, Woodland Hills, 818-691-5727 Lee, Tina E., Reback McAndrews & Blessey, Manhattan Beach McAndrews, Thomas F., Reback McAndrews & Blessey, Manhattan Beach O’Keefe, David J., Bonne Bridges Mueller O’Keefe & Nichols, Los Angeles Ramsey, Patricia, Clinkenbeard Ramsey Spackman & Clark, Santa Barbara Reback, Robert C., Reback McAndrews & Blessey, Manhattan Beach Thelen, Dennis R., LeBeau - Thelen, Bakersfield Warford, Robert K., Attorney at Law, Riverside
PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF Blumberg, John P., Blumberg Law Corp., Long Beach Brown, Alan C., Day Day & Brown, Tustin Bunch, Bruce M., Law Offices of Bruce M. Bunch, Westlake Village Burke, Sean M., Burke | Argos, Irvine Pg. S-12 Cohn, Richard A., Aitken • Aitken • Cohn, Santa Ana Heimberg, Steven A., Heimberg Barr, Los Angeles Pg. S-8 Hodes, Daniel Martin, Hodes Milman, Irvine Pg. S-12 Kramer, M.D., Bradley I., The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer M.D. Esq., Beverly Hills Michels, Philip, Law Offices of Michels & Lew, Los Angeles Milman, Jeffrey A., Hodes Milman, Irvine Pg. S-12 Oran, Michael, Law Offices of Michael L. Oran, Los Angeles Raynes, Jeffrey S., Raynes | Erickson, Redlands Silberberg, Marshall, The Law Office of Marshall Silberberg, Irvine, 949-718-0960
MARSHALL SILBERBERG THE LAW OFFICE OF MARSHALL SILBERBERG Irvine • 949-718-0960
www.silberberglaw.com
Walkon, Craig, Law Offices of Craig S. Walkon, San Juan Capistrano Weinberg, Steven J., McCune Wright Arevalo, Palm Desert
PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: DEFENSE Calareso, Christine D., CMBG3 Law, Irvine Finateri Silbiger, K. Lynn, Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal, Los Angeles Goldberg, Karen B., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles Hua, Raymond, Yukevich | Cavanaugh, Los Angeles Larson, Arnold D., Larson Garrick & Lightfoot, Los Angeles
Maki, Craig R., Selman Breitman, Los Angeles
Panish, Brian J., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles Pg. S-8
McNulty, Elizabeth V., Evans Fears & Schuttert, Newport Beach
Rowell, John D., Cheong Denove Rowell Bennett & Hapuarachy, Los Angeles, 310-277-4857
Milbrodt, Jeremy D., Prindle Goetz Barnes & Reinholtz, Long Beach
Shea, Adam K., Panish Shea & Boyle, Los Angeles
Popovich, Jerry C., Selman Breitman, Santa Ana Pg. S-8, S-12
Spagnoli, Christine D., Greene Broillet & Wheeler, Santa Monica, 310-340-6505 Pg. S-8, S-9, S-10
Ramsey, Lawrence R., Bowman and Brooke, Torrance
West, Michelle M., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288 Pg. S-8, S-10, S-12
Saacke, Charles F., Saacke Law Group, Torrance Santana, Carmen, Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal, Los Angeles
Yuhl, Christopher P., Yuhl Carr, Marina Del Rey, 310-827-2800
Schatz, Jr., Russell W., Pond North, Los Angeles Scully, Thomas G., Foley & Mansfield, Los Angeles Sipprelle, Keith A., Van Etten Sipprelle, Westlake Village
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE Bodenstein, Janette S., Nemecek & Cole, Encino Brandon, David L., Clark Hill, Los Angeles
Smelser, Steven D., Yukevich | Cavanaugh, Los Angeles
Brodsky, Barry Z., Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck, Los Angeles
Smith, Stephen H., Yoka & Smith, Los Angeles
Cochran, Joan, Cochran Davis & Associates, Palos Verdes Estates
Spangler Khare, Viiu, Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal, Los Angeles Stouder, S. Christian, Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles Warren, Sheldon J., Law Offices of Sheldon J. Warren, Long Beach
Curtis-Ives, Courtney E., Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck, Los Angeles Deniston, Martin K., Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, Los Angeles Gallardo, Tommy, Nemecek & Cole, Encino
Whitefield, Derek S., Dykema Gossett, Los Angeles
Garner, Scott B., Umberg Zipser, Irvine
Yoka, Walter M., Yoka & Smith, Los Angeles
Garrett, Robert, Garrett & Tully, Pasadena
Yukevich, James J., Yukevich | Cavanaugh, Los Angeles
Ham, James I., Law Office of James I. Ham, Glendale, 818-484-8955 Hinds, Jr., Desmond J., Hinshaw & Culbertson, Los Angeles
PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF
Kveton, Kyle, Robie & Matthai, Los Angeles
Ammirato, Vincent A., Ammirato Legal, Aliso Viejo
Matthai, Edith R., Robie & Matthai, Los Angeles Pg. S-8, S-10
Armitage, Michael, Waters Kraus & Paul, El Segundo
McCarthy, Michael, Nemecek & Cole, Encino
Aumais, Christopher T., CA Law Group, Los Angeles
O’Meara, Frances M., Freeman Mathis & Gary, Los Angeles
Calcagnie, Kevin F., Robinson Calcagnie, Newport Beach, 949-720-1288
Pansky, Ellen A., Pansky Markle, South Pasadena, 213-626-7300 Pg. S-51
Cathcart, Peter T., Magaña Cathcart & McCarthy, Pacific Palisades
Saunders, Jennifer K., Haight Brown & Bonesteel, Los Angeles
Chase, Brian, Bisnar Chase, Newport Beach
Sohal, Vikram, Nemecek & Cole, Encino
DeBlase, Patrick, DeBlase Brown Eyerly, Los Angeles
Stellwagen, Jr, Robert H., Collins Collins Muir + Stewart, South Pasadena
Esfandiari, Bijan, Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, Los Angeles
Stewart, Brian K., Collins Collins Muir + Stewart, South Pasadena
Johnson, Raymond Paul, Raymond Paul Johnson, Manhattan Beach
Wechsler, Zachary D., Law Office of Zachary D. Wechsler, Torrance
Michel, Allen L., Michel | Miller | Park, Los Angeles
Kristensen, John, Kristensen, Los Angeles Lebovits, Moses, Daniels Fine Israel Schonbuch & Lebovits, Los Angeles Lira, David R., Johnston Hutchinson & Lira, Los Angeles, 213-542-1978 Pg. S-8 Maldonado, Nicole K.H., Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, Los Angeles Michaels, Jonathan, MLG, Costa Mesa Padgette, Darrell M., Nelson & Fraenkel, Los Angeles
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: PLAINTIFF Ackerman, Lee B., Law Offices of Lee B. Ackerman, Los Angeles, 310-990-2290 Fields, Howard M., Howard M. Fields, Woodland Hills Furman, Joshua R., Joshua R. Furman, Encino CONTINUED ON PAGE S-44
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-43
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: PLAINTIFF CONT’D FROM PAGE S-43
Eisenberg, Mark S., Eisenberg & Associates, Los Angeles
Koffman, Linda S., Smith Gambrell & Russell, Los Angeles
Glickman, Steven, Glickman & Glickman, Beverly Hills
Ellman, Dennis B., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Kuhl, John H., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Makarem, Ron, Makarem & Associates, Los Angeles
Emmel, Drew, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, Irvine
Lamishaw, Matthew, Kennerly Lamishaw & Rossi, Los Angeles
Negrin, Matthew, Baer Negrin & Troff, Los Angeles
Feldman, Lewis G., Feldman Law Group, Santa Monica
Lanson, Don E., Manfredi Levine Eccles Miller & Lanson, Westlake Village
Parker, David B., Parker Mills, Los Angeles
Feldman, Steven L., Lewitt Hackman, Encino
Traut, James R., Traut Firm, Santa Ana, 714-835-7000
Fields, Kenneth S., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Lesser, Trudi J., Law Offices of Trudi J. Lesser, El Segundo
Wilson, Mark B., Klein & Wilson, Newport Beach Pg. S-8, S-12
Fischer, Peter R., Sklar Kirsh, Los Angeles
REAL ESTATE
Forbes, Amy R., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Gilliland, Jr., Robert J., Guralnick & Gilliland, Palm Desert
Ackerman, Michael S., Jones Ackerman & Corman, Los Angeles
Glick, Gary A., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Adams, Adrian J., Adams | Stirling, Los Angeles
Goetz, Jon E., Meyers Nave, Los Angeles
Arkow, Loryn Dunn, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, Los Angeles
Goodkin, Daniel L., Goodkin, Los Angeles
Arnold, Dennis B., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Arshonsky, Richard I., Levinson Arshonsky & Kurtz, Sherman Oaks, 818-382-3434 Baker, Jr., William E., Baker & Baker, Santa Ana, 714-558-4832 Baradaran, Bob, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Benjy, Bob, Benjy Law Corp., Beverly Hills Bloom, Steven N., Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, Los Angeles Booth, Susan Jennifer, Holland & Knight, Los Angeles Bordy, Michael J., Michael J. Bordy, Los Angeles Bose, Erica A., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles Brackmann, Eve, Stuart Kane, Newport Beach Breckheimer, Peter J., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles Burris, Jason R., Burris Law, Santa Ana Butler, Jim, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Carlson, Mark C., Carlson Law Group, Woodland Hills, 818-996-7800 Pg. S-47 Castelblanco, Eric E., Castelblanco Law Group, Los Angeles Champion, Douglas M., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Cody, Marnie Christine, Hamlin * Cody, Marina del Rey Cohen, Brett J., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles Corfield, Michael, Corfield Feld, San Juan Capistrano Dargan, Christopher M., Hill Farrer & Burrill, Los Angeles Douglas, J. Andrew, Wright Kim Douglas, Glendale
Gordon, Marcia Z., Gordon Kemper, Los Angeles Graham, Alice M., Graham Law Corp., Marina Del Rey Grigorians, Alex M., Safarian Choi & Bolstad, Los Angeles, 213-915-6070 Grossfeld, Scott L., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles Grushkin, Josh C., Stuart Kane, Newport Beach Guggenheim, Daniel B., Mintz, Los Angeles Gutierrez, Javier F., Stuart Kane, Newport Beach Hamlin, Richard, Hamlin * Cody, Marina del Rey
Levine, Stephen M., Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles Logue, Travis C., Rogers Sheffield & Campbell, Santa Barbara Lombardi, Thomas, Cozen O’Connor, Los Angeles Lorman, Bruce, Attorney at Law, Santa Monica Lurie, Steven, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles Mackay, Lee D., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village Maisnik, M. Guy, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Masenga, Thomas J., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles McFarlin, Timothy, McFarlin, Irvine Nelson, Mark L., Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles Nicoletti, Mark, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, Los Angeles Packard, Carlisle G., Nevers Palazzo Packard Wildermuth & Wynner, Westlake Village Pircher, Leo J., Pircher Nichols & Meeks, Los Angeles
Hardwick, Craig D., AlvaradoSmith, Santa Ana
Quigley, III, Edward F., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Hawes, Eric, Law Office of Eric Everett Hawes, Calabasas
Rabkin, Michael W., Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Herrman, Henry A., Herrman Law Firm, Santa Monica
Rasmussen, Richard G., Anglin Flewelling & Rasmussen, Pasadena
Hoefflin, Richard M., Hoefflin & Associates, Westlake Village
Ravid, Nadav, Ravid Law Group, Los Angeles
Hummer, Laurence L., Laurence L. Hummer, Los Angeles Iaffaldano, Frank W., Iaffaldano Shaw & Young, Los Angeles Insul, Alan, Law Office of Alan M. Insul, Westlake Village Irons, John H., Pircher Nichols & Meeks, Los Angeles Jackson, F. Scott, Jackson Tidus, Irvine Jacobson, Lawrence H., Law Offices of Lawrence H. Jacobson, Beverly Hills Johnson, Stuart, Kesselman Brantly Stockinger, Manhattan Beach Juha, Damon M., Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles Jung, Karen, Jung Law, Los Angeles
Rips, Matthew, Russ August & Kabat, Los Angeles Roseman, Steven A., Roseman Law, Woodland Hills Rosenberg, Robert, Law Offices of Robert I. Rosenberg, Beverly Hills Safarian, Chris K., Safarian Choi & Bolstad, Los Angeles, 213-481-6565 Schorr, Zachary, Schorr Law, Los Angeles Sears, Jonathan, Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles Seifert, Norbert, Fragner Seifert Pace & Winograd, Los Angeles Sfregola, Michael F., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles Shafron, Shelly Jay, Shafron & Kammer, Calabasas
Kang, Brian H., Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Shapiro, Daniel C., Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, Los Angeles
Dreyfus, Caroline W., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Kennerly, Nancy N., Kennerly Lamishaw & Rossi, Los Angeles
Sharf, Jesse, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Ecoff, Lawrence C., Ecoff Campain & Tilles, Beverly Hills, 310-887-1850
Kiely, Michael J., Karavas Kiely & Schloss, Los Angeles
Ehrhart, Kevin M., Kirkland & Ellis, Los Angeles
Klein, Michael S., Klein & Weisz, Los Angeles
S-44
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Shumener, Betty M., Shumener Odson & Oh, Los Angeles Siegel, Leonard, Kulik Gottesman Siegel & Ware, Sherman Oaks
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Siegler, Adam, Greenberg Traurig, Los Angeles Simkin, Michael, Simkin & Associates, Los Angeles, 310-788-9089 Smooke, Michael G., Eisner, Beverly Hills Stamato, Juliana, Law Offices of Juliana Stamato, Calabasas Steckbauer, William W., Hill Farrer & Burrill, Los Angeles Steere, Martin E., Manatt Phelps & Phillips, Los Angeles Stone, David, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, Los Angeles Stroffe, Jennifer V., FSG, Irvine
Noel, Gregg A., Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, Los Angeles
Gadbois, Barbara R., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, Los Angeles
Wardle, Peter W., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
Wiener, Laurence S., Richards Watson & Gershon, Los Angeles
SECURITIES LITIGATION Aidikoff, Philip M., Aidikoff Uhl & Bakhtiari, Beverly Hills
Sudeck, David, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
Durrant, John S., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Swalwell, Chauncey M., Goodwin Procter, Los Angeles
Edmiston, Michael S., Jonathan W. Evans & Associates, Studio City
Sykes, Robert J., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Irvine
Evans, Jonathan W., Jonathan W. Evans & Associates, Studio City
Treister, Dana S., Seyfarth Shaw, Los Angeles Tullius, Jennifer R., Tullius Law Group, Los Angeles Ulwelling, James K., Ulwelling Law, Costa Mesa Waldman, Ira J., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles Ware, II, Thomas M., Kulik Gottesman Siegel & Ware, Sherman Oaks Weinhart, Brian S., Hill Farrer & Burrill, Los Angeles
TAX
Buchwalter, Steve A., Law Office of Steve A. Buchwalter, Encino
Stuart, Bruce C., Stuart Kane, Newport Beach
Taylor, Corey, Law Office of Corey E. Taylor, San Clemente, 949-429-3481
Niesley, Robert C., Watt Tieder Hoffar & Fitzgerald, Irvine
Bakhtiari, Ryan K., Aidikoff Uhl & Bakhtiari, Beverly Hills
Compton, Jeffrey K., Markun Zusman Freniere & Compton, Pacific Palisades
Tabibian, David, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
SURETY
Barish, Ken, Kenneth M. Barish Esq., Los Angeles Bowen, Justin, Bowen Tax Law, Palos Verdes Estates Brager, Dennis N., Brager Tax Law Group, Los Angeles Cicione, Douglas D., Law Offices of Douglas D. Cicione, Newport Beach Dakessian, Marty, Dakessian Law, Los Angeles
Furgison, Jon C., Furgison Law Group, Hermosa Beach
Drabkin, Igor S., Holtz Slavett & Drabkin, Beverly Hills
Girard II, Robert J., Girard Bengali, Los Angeles
Dyess, Jr., Robert W., Good Wildman, Irvine, 949-955-1100
Hamilton, Joshua G., Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles
Fink, Barry E., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles
Harrison, David, Law Offices of David Harrison, Beverly Hills
Gilden, Robin C., Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Keesal, Jr., Samuel “Skip” A., Keesal Young & Logan, Long Beach
Givner, Bruce, KFB Law Group, Los Angeles
Kelley, Garland A., Glaser Weil, Los Angeles
Guterman, Barry L., The Guterman Tax Law Firm, Los Angeles
Martinez, Damian J., Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, Pasadena
Habekovic, Vanja, Ervin Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills
Morris, Stanley, Corrigan & Morris, Los Angeles
Holtz, David C., Holtz Slavett & Drabkin, Beverly Hills
Weissburg, Adam B., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Perovich, Stefan, Keesal Young & Logan, Long Beach
Weissman, Seth, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles
Privette, Howard M., Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, Irvine
Wells, Amy H., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Los Angeles
Reif, Brandon S., Reif Law Group, Los Angeles, 310-494-6500
Wensley, David W., Cox Castle & Nicholson, Irvine
Schneider, Marc J., Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Newport Beach
Westhoff, Pamela L., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Tu, Michael, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Los Angeles
Wolff, Steven G., Raines Feldman, Los Angeles
Vanyo, Bruce G., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Los Angeles
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION Holman, Brian L., Musick Peeler & Garrett, Los Angeles McCune, Dana John, McCune & Harber, Los Angeles Tiffany, Marcy J.K., Tiffany Law Group, Palos Verdes Estates
SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE Bancroft, Ellen S., Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Costa Mesa Feuchter, Bruce, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Newport Beach
Horwitz, Robert S., Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez, Beverly Hills Husband, B. Paul, B. Paul Husband, Burbank, 818-955-8585 Pg. S-50
B. PAUL HUSBAND
Taggart, Craig A., Mortenson Taggart, Irvine
Williamson, Richard, Ezer Williamson Law, Torrance
Horii, Dwayne, Rodriguez Horii Choi & Cafferata, Los Angeles
B. PAUL HUSBAND, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Burbank • 818-955-8585
www.husbandlaw.com
Wagner, Avi, The Wagner Firm, Los Angeles
Kalinski, Jonathan, Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez, Beverly Hills
Weber, Robert D., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Los Angeles
Keligian, David L., Brown & Streza, Irvine Kessler, Warren (Skip), Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles
Young, Meryl L., Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Irvine
Lager, Jacob, Freeman Freeman & Smiley, Los Angeles
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Rohlfing, Lawrence D., Law Offices of Lawrence D. Rohlfing, Santa Fe Springs
STATE, LOCAL & MUNICIPAL
Lamons, Thomas, Law Offices of Thomas R. Lamons, Costa Mesa Landis, Samuel, Segal Cohen & Landis, Beverly Hills Mather, Steven R., Mather, Los Angeles McGinnis, Patrick E., Attorney at Law, Beverly Hills
Campbell, Scott H., Best Best & Krieger, Los Angeles
Millar, Sanford I., MillarLaw, Los Angeles
Carvalho, Sonia Rubio, Best Best & Krieger, Irvine
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-46
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
S-45
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 TAX CONT’D FROM PAGE S-45
Mitchell, Burton A., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Nardiello, Chad D., Nardiello Turanchik, Los Angeles Nelson, Lisa O., Law Office of A. Lavar Taylor, Santa Ana Newman, David Wheeler, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Los Angeles
Davidson, Kimberly, Tobin Lucks, Woodland Hills Dombchik, Adam D., Gordon Edelstein Krepack Grant Felton & Goldstein, Los Angeles Feld, Benjamin, Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld, Santa Barbara Felton, Richard, Gordon Edelstein Krepack Grant Felton & Goldstein, Los Angeles Fernandez, Abel H., Diefer Law Group, Riverside Field, Greggory M., Field Law Group, Los Angeles
Perez, Dennis L., Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez, Beverly Hills
Fields, Susan Eliasoff, Koszdin Fields Sherry & Katz, Van Nuys, 818-781-1503 Pg. S-48
Rice, David Lee, KFB Rice, Torrance
Ford, Scott T., Ford & Wallach, Los Angeles, 213-380-3140
Saulino, Mark A., Saulino Tax Counsel, Los Angeles Sczudlo, Paul A., Withers Bergman, Los Angeles Simon, Stuart A., Buchalter, Los Angeles Slavett, Gary M., Holtz Slavett & Drabkin, Beverly Hills Stein, Jacob, Aliant, Encino
Friedman, Lester J., Law Offices of Lester Friedman, Beverly Hills Ghitterman, Russell R., Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld, Santa Barbara Glauber, Russell L., Glauber Berenson Vego, Glendale
Ly, Geraldine, Law Office of Geraldine Ly, Santa Ana, 714-442-9998 Pg. S-10, S-12 More, Keith P., Bentley & More, Newport Beach, 949-783-8479 Pg. S-8, S-12 Odjaghian, Tina, Odjaghian Law Group, Woodland Hills, 818-227-4848 Savin, Jr., George J., Savin Bursk, Granada Hills Sherry, Mark J., Koszdin Fields Sherry & Katz, Van Nuys, 818-781-1503 Pg. S-52 Sherwin, Robert J., Lewis Marenstein Wicke Sherwin & Lee, Woodland Hills, 818-703-6000 Pg. S-52 Snitzer, Alan B., Law Offices of Alan B. Snitzer, Pasadena, 626-449-4300 Pg. S-52 Stern, Lawrence, Mallery & Stern, Los Angeles Stoody-King, Amy M., Stoody & Mills, Irvine, 949-223-9876
AMY M. STOODY-KING STOODY & MILLS Irvine • 949-223-9876
Stein, Laurence J., Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles
Goldstein, David A., Gordon Edelstein Krepack Grant Felton & Goldstein, Los Angeles
Stein, Michel R., Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez, Beverly Hills
Goodchild, Jack, Goodchild & Duffy, Encino, 818-380-1600 Pg. S-49
Straatsma, B. Derek, Goldman Magdalin & Krikes, Woodland Hills
Swaidan, Karl I., Hahn & Hahn, Pasadena
Grant, Sherry E., Gordon Edelstein Krepack Grant Felton & Goldstein, Los Angeles
Thomas, Joanne M., Stander Reubens Thomas and Kinsey, Corona
Gurvey, Alan Z., Law Firm of Rowen Gurvey & Win, Sherman Oaks
Vines, Robert I., Rose Klein & Marias, Ontario
Turanchik, Lydia B., Nardiello Turanchik, Los Angeles Weiss, Michele F. L., Holtz Slavett & Drabkin, Beverly Hills Weiss, Walter, Walter Weiss, Los Angeles
Hinden, Barry Harris, Hinden & Breslavsky, Los Angeles
Wilson, Joseph P., Wilson Tax Law Group, Newport Beach, 949-397-2292
Kingdon, Kenneth A., Law Office of Kenneth Kingdon, San Pedro
Zbylut, Gregory A., Law Office of Gregory A. Zbylut, Pasadena
Kropach, William J., Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, Encino
www.smdcomp.com
Wallach, Cheryl L., Ford & Wallach, Los Angeles, 213-380-3140 Willyard, Robert, Nantha & Associates, Santa Ana Yoro, James, Chain | Cohn | Stiles, Bakersfield
TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS Braun, Robert E., Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, Los Angeles Forsheit, Tanya, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Los Angeles
TRANSPORTATION/MARITIME Chung, Jaion, Poole Shaffery & Koegle, Los Angeles Kehagiaras, Andrew, Roberts & Kehagiaras, Long Beach Lerner, Neil S., Cox Wootton Lerner Griffin & Hansen, Los Angeles, 310-440-0020
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Barry, Steven M., Barry Law Group, Encino Berkowitz, Elliot S., Law Offices of Berkowitz & Cohen, Los Angeles Burgis, Michael, Michael Burgis & Associates, Sherman Oaks
S-46
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY
Selected to Super Lawyers
ALBERT ABKARIAN ALBERT ABKARIAN & ASSOCIATES
3827 Ocean View Boulevard Montrose, CA 91020 Tel: 855-888-1808 Fax: 818-248-8557 Albert@Abkarianlaw.com www.abkarianlaw.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
PATRICIO T. D. BARRERA
BARRERA & ASSOCIATES 2298 East Maple Avenue El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel: 310-802-1500 Fax: 310-802-0500 barrera@baattorneys.com www.baattorneys.com
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF BUSINESS LITIGATION BUSINESS/CORPORATE
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS BUSINESS LITIGATION
Albert Abkarian & Associates was established in 1994 by trial lawyer Albert Abkarian and is located in Glendale, California. The firm concentrates in business litigation and personal injury including car accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents and traumatic brain injury cases. Business litigation includes business contract disputes, arbitration/mediation. Since its inception, the firm has dedicated in providing the resources of a large firm, while maintaining the personalized service and cost effectiveness of a small firm. The Firm prides itself with providing one-on-one personal attention. Mr. Abkarian was selected as one of the Top 10 Attorneys and Litigator of the Year by American Institute of Trial Lawyers and in California one of the Top 100 Nationwide by National Trial Lawyers.
Pat Barrera has been listed in Super Lawyers for 18 consecutive years. Between 2017 and the COVID-related court closures in 2020, Pat won four jury trials for his clients including three punitive damages verdicts. In 2018, Pat was recognized by the Los Angeles Daily Journal as a Top Labor and Employment Specialist in California, and nominated for CAALA Trial Lawyer of the Year. Between 2019 and 2020, Barrera & Associates delivered over $16 million in settlements to clients. Pat is a member of The American Board of Trial Advocates, CELA, and is listed in the Best Attorneys of America and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100. Pat is AV-rated and licensed to practice in California and Texas. Pat lectures at CLE Seminars, and speaks English and Spanish.
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
JARED A. BARRY
SHADIE BERENJI
16633 Ventura Boulevard Suite 1000 Encino, CA 91436 Tel: 818-789-9444 Fax: 818-789-3233 jared@barrylawgroup.com www.barrylawgroup.com
8383 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 708 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Tel: 310-855-3270 Fax: 310-855-3751 berenji@employeejustice.law www.employeejustice.law
BARRY LAW GROUP
Selected to Super Lawyers
BETI TSAI BERGMAN
BERENJI LAW FIRM, APC
PENINSULA LAW, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION
3220 Sepulveda Boulevard Suite 203 Torrance, CA 90505 Tel: 310-694-8703 Fax: 866-449-6181 bbergman@peninsula.law www.peninsula.law
ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF BUSINESS LITIGATION
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF
ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE
Jared A. Barry of Barry Law Group is a seasoned litigator with expertise in the areas of trusts, estates, business, real estate disputes, and personal injury. He represents individuals, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, throughout Southern California. Mr. Barry was named to Southern California Rising Stars seven years in row from 2009 to 2016 and has been selected to Southern California Super Lawyers since 2020. In 2018, 2019 and 2020 in the field of litigation of trusts and estates, his peers selected him as a member of The Best Lawyers in Southern California. He is a Southern California native who works alongside his father and brother. Mr. Barry dedicates himself to a client-first approach that strives for the best results at reasonable costs to his clients.
Shadie Berenji focuses exclusively representing employees with employment law disputes. Ms. Berenji has an array of experience in employment law litigation, with a particular emphasis on wage-and-hour violations and sex/pregnancy discrimination. As a former employment law defense attorney, Ms. Berenji understands the strategies and tactics often used to sidestep employees’ claims and she uses this insight to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients. As a result, she has successfully obtained numerous six and seven figure settlements for employees in wage-and-hour class actions, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation and whistleblower lawsuits.
Beti Bergman is the founder and principal of Peninsula Law, an elite, boutique firm specializing in probate, trusts, estates, and conservatorships. Bergman, a former civil litigator and former deputy city attorney for the City of Los Angeles, created Peninsula Law with a laser focus on probate law and built Peninsula Law into a probate powerhouse. Peninsula Law represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and families in litigation, planning, and settling estates. Peninsula Law embraces resolution of conflict and goes to trial when necessary. Peninsula Law’s philosophy is to treat clients with judgment, courtesy, and diligence, and to build winning cases based on exceptional strategy, analysis, and persuasion. Bergman also mediates and is available via Zoom for dispute resolution conferences.
Selected to Super Lawyers
DEBORAH BIRNDORF ZEILER BIRNDORF LAW OFFICES, APC 11845 West Olympic Boulevard Suite 735W Los Angeles, CA 90064 Tel: 310-914-8400 Fax: 310-914-8480 DBirndorf@BirndorfLaw.com www.BirndorfLaw.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
KAREN S. BROWN
SHARON A. BRYAN
10866 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90024 Tel: 323-274-2697 Fax: 888-433-3968 karen@ksbfamlaw.com www.ksbfamlaw.com
21515 Hawthorne Boulevard Suite 490 Torrance, CA 90503 Tel: 310-540-8855 Fax: 310-316-1307 sharon@mbsllp.com www.mbsllp.com
LAW OFFICE OF KAREN S. BROWN
MOORE, BRYAN, SCHROFF & INOUE LLP
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE
FAMILY LAW
FAMILY LAW
Debbie Birndorf Zeiler represents employers in all aspects of employment law, including defending wage and hour class actions, harassment and discrimination claims, individual wage claims, disability claims, and misappropriation of trade secrets. She also provides preventative counseling and advice, and drafts and reviews employment contracts, severance agreements, employee handbooks and personnel policies. Ms. Birndorf earned her B.A. from UCLA, an MBA from NYU and her law degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where she graduated top of her class. Licensed to practice in California and Illinois, she is a frequent speaker on a variety of employment law topics. Ms. Birndorf also teaches Legal Aspects of Employee Relations at UCLA Extension.
Attorney Karen Brown is sought after for representation of complex family law matters. For over 20 years of her 45 year career, she was a civil litigator and entertainment attorney. As such, she brings a wide breadth of knowledge and exposure to many fields of law. She services the general Southern California community from her West Los Angeles practice with the objective to resolve and settle cases economically. When necessary, she is also known as a tough, knowledgeable, and aggressive litigator. Ms. Brown has an extensive background representing clients in difficult family law matters, such as high conflict divorce, custody disputes and move-aways, domestic abuse, high-net-worth financial disputes, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.
Sharon Bryan is rated by Super Lawyers as a Top 50 Women’s honoree in Southern California, and by Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent in legal ability and ethical standards. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist by State of California Board of Legal Specialization; USC Gould School of Law; UCLA professional designation in Personal Financial Planning; instructor at California State Bar, and judge pro tem in Los Angeles Superior Court. Served as past president Association of Certified Family Law Specialists; editor ACFLS Newsletter; past president South Bay Women Lawyers; three years State Bar Family Law Executive Committee; editor of Family Law News; president-elect American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, of SoCal Chapter; and International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Selected to Super Lawyers
MARK C. CARLSON
CARLSON LAW GROUP, INC. 6300 Canoga Avenue Suite 1300 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Tel: 818-996-7800 Fax: 818-884-4285 mcc@carlsonlawgroup.com www.carlsonlawgroup.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
CHRISTOPHER CHATHAM
CHRISTINA M. COLEMAN
CHATHAM LAW GROUP
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTINA M. COLEMAN, APC
2046 Hillhurst Avenue Suite 130 Los Angeles, CA 90027 Tel: 213-277-1800 chris@chathamfirm.com www.chathamfirm.com
5757 Wilshire Boulevard PH-5 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Tel: 323-592-3605 Fax: 323-843-1715 christina@christinacolemanlaw.com www.christinacolemanlaw.com
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE
ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS BUSINESS LITIGATION BUSINESS/CORPORATE
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF EMPLOYMENT & LABOR SEXUAL ASSAULT & CIVIL RIGHTS
Carlson Law Group, Inc. is a full-service real estate and civil litigation law firm. Founder Mark Carlson leads a team of skilled lawyers representing real estate professionals, property owners, contractors and business owners in both litigated matters and real estate transactions. Carlson is the preferred attorney for two of the largest real estate and mortgage broker E&O programs in California. He also provides risk management services throughout California and is a frequent speaker at training seminars. Carlson also advises clients and other lawyers on cyber security issues. No other law firm in California represents more real estate professionals than Carlson and his associates. Carlson has tried nearly two dozen jury trials and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Chris Chatham has represented major stars, producers, directors, writers, financiers, independent production companies and major corporations. He acts as general counsel to prominent dealmakers in the motion picture and television industry and provides advice regarding production matters, investment and acquisitions, management strength, deal structuring and other strategic planning. His practice also includes litigating complex commercial and business disputes in California, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. He provides value and service to his clients by protecting their intellectual property rights; preparing and implementing proper partnership agreements, talent holding deals, negotiations with industry unions, licensing agreements and dissolution agreements; and advising on personnel matters.
Christina M. Coleman has over 20 years of experience representing consumers, employees businesses in enforcement and protection of their rights. Ms. Coleman is committed to achieving the best possible results for employees who experience problems in the workplace, for individuals whose civil rights are violated in their communities, and for businesses/ business people who are cheated by others in the business community. Ms. Coleman was a Finalist for Consumer Attorneys Of California’s “Consumer Attorney of the Year” in 2008, and “Streetfighter of the Year” in 2010. She is also a member of many other legal organizations, including the California Employment Lawyers Association and the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles.
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Selected to Super Lawyers
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
JEFFREY W. COWAN
DAVID M. DERUBERTIS
ROBERT W. EISFELDER
9301 Wilshire Blvd Suite 609 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Tel: 310-394-1420 Fax: 310-394-1430 jeffrey@cowan-law.com www.cowan-law.com
4219 Coldwater Canyon Avenue Studio City, CA 91604 Tel: 818-761-2322 Fax: 818-761-2323 david@derubertislaw.com www.derubertislaw.com
2049 Century Park East Suite 850 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Tel: 310-820-4500 Fax: 310-861-1022 reisfelder@rwelawcorp.com www.rwelawcorp.com
THE COWAN LAW FIRM
THE DERUBERTIS LAW FIRM, APC
LAW OFFICES OF ROBERT W. EISFELDER
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF BUSINESS LITIGATION EMPLOYMENT & LABOR
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF BUSINESS LITIGATION CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS
FAMILY LAW GENERAL LITIGATION INSURANCE COVERAGE
Jeffrey W. Cowan practices business litigation and employment law. His clients have included Fortune 500 corporations, local businesses, entrepreneurs, celebrities, professionals, and regular folks in Southern California and throughout the United States. Jeffrey has been named to the Super Lawyers list for 15 years, has an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, graduated from the UCLA School of Law, and is a former professional magician who knows how to connect with a jury. Jeffrey has won many seven and six figure recoveries, including against Donald Trump’s golf club. Jeffrey also serves on the board of directors of the Cornell Club of Los Angeles and is its legal adviser.
David M. deRubertis is the founder of The deRubertis Law Firm, APC, a trial boutique firm in Studio City, California. DeRubertis has been honored as CAALA’s Trial Lawyer of the Year, a California Lawyer of the Year (Clay Award) recipient, Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Employment Law – Individuals – for Los Angeles and has been included on the Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers list for 12 consecutive years. A member of ABOTA and a seasoned trial lawyer who frequently serves as last-minute trial counsel, Mr. deRubertis handles all types of employment disputes, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death matters, insurance bad faith cases and contingency business litigation matters.
Robert W. Eisfelder is often requested to become associate counsel in sophisticated civil and family law litigation; he is known as a “lawyers’ lawyer.” His family law practice focuses on the handling of cases that involve the value of a family business, child custody, child and spousal support, the enforceability of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, post-divorce modifications and domestic partnerships. He has extensive trial experience representing consumers in insurance and employment litigation and in disputes about the value of closely held businesses. He has achieved valuable verdicts and settlements in bad faith litigation and wrongful termination disputes. His unique experience in civil litigation allows him to be extremely effective as an advocate in family law litigation.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
ANDREW ELLIS
DOUGLAS J. EVERTZ
2230 East Maple Avenue El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel: 310-641-3335 Fax: 310-641-6664 aellis@alelaw.com www.ellisinjurylaw.com
650 Town Center Drive Suite 550 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Tel: 714-277-1700 Fax: 714-277-1777 devertz@murphyevertz.com www.murphyevertz.com
ELLIS LAW
MURPHY & EVERTZ, LLP
Selected to Super Lawyers
SUSAN ELIASOFF FIELDS
KOSZDIN, FIELDS, SHERRY & KATZ 6151 Van Nuys Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91401 Tel: 818-781-1503 Fax: 818-989-5288 susan@koszdin.com www.koszdin.com
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF
EMINENT DOMAIN LAND USE/ZONING
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Andy Ellis credits his success as a personal injury attorney to the work ethic he learned from his parents, which was fine-tuned when he served in the United States Army. Andy has obtained over $250 million for clients throughout Southern California during his career as a trial lawyer. These include a $4.1 million product liability verdict; a $3 million truck accident verdict; a $2.9 million car accident settlement; a $1.25 million wrongful death settlement against the Los Angeles County Sheriffs; and a $1 million medical malpractice settlement. Andy is a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates. He is also consistently named to The Best Lawyers in America and his firm is regularly featured in U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” in California.
Douglas J. Evertz has compiled a remarkable record of litigation successes. He specializes in complex real estate litigation matters including eminent domain, inverse condemnation, land use, CEQA, water and construction. Over his career, Mr. Evertz has represented a number of cities, counties, water districts and school districts in connection with major public agency acquisitions/public works projects. He also represents a number of commercial and industrial property owners in lawsuits throughout the state. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, major developers and high-net-worth individuals.
Susan Eliasoff Fields has been representing injured workers throughout Southern California in workers’ compensation matters since 1981, when she was admitted to the State Bar of California. She is the managing partner at the law firm of Koszdin, Fields, Sherry & Katz located in Van Nuys, where she has practiced for the past 40 years. Ms. Fields obtained her Certificate of Specialization in Workers’ Compensation Law in 1991 and has maintained it to date. She is a member of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association and has served as a judge pro tem at the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. She began as a law clerk with the firm in 1979 and just celebrated her 40th year with the firm.
Selected to Super Lawyers
MICHAEL GHOZLAND GHOZLAND LAW FIRM
626 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1170 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Tel: 213-334-4570 Fax: 213-334-4569 michael@ghozlandlawfirm.com www.la-personalinjurylaw.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
JOHN J. GILLIGAN
ROBERT E. GIPSON
1 World Trade Center Suite 1740 Long Beach, CA 90802 Tel: 562-431-2000 Fax: 562-431-2100 jgilligan@gftlawyers.com www.gftlawyers.com
1901 Avenue of the Stars Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Tel: 310-556-4660 Fax: 310-556-8945 rgipson@ghplaw.com www.ghplaw.com
GILLIGAN FRISCO & TRUTANICH, LLP
GIPSON HOFFMAN & PANCIONE
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF
FAMILY LAW
BUSINESS/CORPORATE SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Michael Ghozland is an accomplished trial lawyer who focuses his practice on putting the personal into personal injury claims. Having represented large institutional investors for a number of years prior to opening Ghozland Law Firm, Michael Ghozland decided to focus his career on the representation of individuals that have been injured at the hands of others. With over 40 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for their clients, earning Michael Ghozland membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
John J. Gilligan, CFLS, the principal and managing partner in the firm, is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a certified Family Law Specialist. The firm’s emphasis is on family law and all related family issues. He is certified to serve as a Superior Court Mediator, is qualified for service as court-appointed minor’s counsel, and has served on various bar associations. He has lectured extensively and authored many published articles (see firm website for more information) in the areas of domestic violence, child custody, community property, and various other aspects of family law. He is the author of four published opinions.
Robert (Reg) E. Gipson is a transactional lawyer who represents successful private companies, high-net-worth families and charitable entities. Reg works with his clients in buying, selling, creating and organizing business ventures of many kinds. Reg graduated from Harvard College (1967) and Yale Law School (1973). He was elected managing editor of the Yale Law Journal, and served as such in 1972-1973. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Reg serves on a variety of company boards, both private and public, business and charitable, and is experienced in corporate transactions, management transitions and organizational development issues. He lectures regularly.
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ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
CYNTHIA E. GITT
KAREN L. GOLDSTEIN
155 North Lake Avenue Suite 800 Pasadena, CA 91101 Tel: 626-993-6792 Fax: 626-229-1917 cgitt@browngitt.com www.browngitt.com
1645 North Vine Street Suite 306 Los Angeles, CA 90028 Tel: 888-445-6313 Fax: 323-467-7229 kgoldstein@klgcriminaldefense.com www.klgcriminaldefense.com
BROWN GITT LAW GROUP ALC
Selected to Super Lawyers
JACK GOODCHILD
LAW OFFICES OF KAREN L. GOLDSTEIN
GOODCHILD & DUFFY
16133 Ventura Boulevard Suite 1250 Encino, CA 91436 Tel: 818-380-1600 Fax: 818-380-1616 jgoodchild@goodchildlaw.com www.goodchildduffy.com
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION BUSINESS LITIGATION
CRIMINAL DEFENSE CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF
Cynthia Gitt and her colleagues at Brown Gitt Law Group work with clients to prevent problems, but they are also tough and successful litigators and negotiators when needed. They are thorough and experienced workplace investigators. The firm represents primarily companies in all areas of employment law, and they have many years of experience that enables them to see the whole picture. Ms. Gitt is also an arbitrator for AAA, ARC and NAM, a mediator for ARC and NAM, and enjoys the opportunity to resolve cases quickly and fairly.
Ms. Goldstein is an experienced, aggressive trial lawyer practicing state and federal criminal defense since 2003. She fights hard to obtain victories for her clients accused of serious crimes ranging from murder, child molestation, and white-collar offenses to gang-related crimes, rape, child pornography, and RICO cases. She has a strong reputation in the community for fighting the most challenging of sex crimes cases and remaining undaunted in the face of overwhelming odds. Ms. Goldstein also represents indigent clients in both federal and state court as a member of the Central Justice Act (CJA) conflict panel and the Indigent Criminal Defense Appointment (ICDA) panel. She graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center and magna cum laude from Georgetown University.
An aggressive and compassionate practice only on behalf of the individual against all institutions and businesses. He is a California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. He also currently serves on the Los Angeles Valley Applicants Attorneys Association board as president and is the chair of Executive Committee of California Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Section.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
STEPHANIE GRANATO
LEONARD L. GUMPORT
CAREE HARPER
1801 Century Park East Suite 2400 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Tel: 310-601-7926 Fax: 310-601-7928 stephanie@granatolaw.com www.granatolaw.com
225 South Lake Avenue Suite 300 Pasadena, CA 91101 Tel: 626-432-7283 lgumport@gumportlaw.com www.gumportlaw.com
100 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 700 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Tel: 213-386-5078 www.careeharper.com
GRANATO LAW OFFICE
GUMPORT LAW FIRM, PC
THE LAW OFFICES OF CAREE HARPER
BUSINESS/CORPORATE
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
CIVIL RIGHTS CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Stephanie Granato is a corporate attorney and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience advising growing companies, entrepreneurs, and investors. She has represented a broad range of private and public corporate clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Her practice focuses on early stage and venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, general corporate and commercial matters, and corporate governance. She represents clients in a wide variety of industries, including technology, clean tech, entertainment, events, music, e-commerce, CBD, retail, manufacturing and distribution, and outsource staffing. Ms. Granato earned a J.D. from Yale Law School, an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, and a B.A. from UCLA.
Leonard L. Gumport has done bankruptcy litigation, business litigation, internal investigations, and mediations. He has served as counsel to bankruptcy trustees, government entities and creditors, typically in cases (or investigations) involving allegations of financial misconduct. He has served as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee, Chapter 11 bankruptcy trustee, SIPC trustee, bankruptcy examiner, provisional director, independent counsel in internal investigations, and mediator. His mediations have included federal agency enforcement proceedings and business, bankruptcy, and consumer disputes. He is a member of the panel of mediators of the ADR Programs of the U.S. District Court for the Central of California and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.
Caree Harper is a civil rights and criminal defense attorney in Santa Monica, California. The founder of The Law Offices of Caree Harper, she serves clients throughout Southern California. Ms. Harper has over 18 years of experience litigating excessive force cases and the underlying criminal matters in federal district court and state court. Ms. Harper spent many years taking on pro bono cases and in recognition of that commitment, the U.S. House of Representatives awarded her The Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. She is also included on the The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 list since 2014. She is a former decorated police officer, injured in the line of duty, giving her a distinct advantage when helping clients facing criminal charges or whose civil rights have been violated.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
TODD HARRISON
JAMES O. HEITING
CALVIN R. HOUSE
300 East San Antonio Drive Long Beach, CA 90807 Tel: 562-426-6155 Fax: 562-490-9823 toddharrison@plblaw.com www.plbsh.com
6216 Brockton Avenue Suite 111 Riverside, CA 92506 Tel: 877-574-6074 Fax: 951-682-4072 joheiting@heitingandirwin.com www.heitingandirwin.com
3020 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91107 Tel: 626-449-2300 Fax: 626-449-2330 calvin.house@gphlawyers.com www.gphlawyers.com
PERONA, LANGER, BECK, SERBIN AND HARRISON
HEITING & IRWIN
GUTIERREZ PRECIADO & HOUSE
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF EMPLOYMENT & LABOR
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE APPELLATE
Tough times call for tough lawyers. Todd H. Harrison is a plaintiffs’ employment lawyer who represents employees who have been wrongfully terminated, harassed, or discriminated against because of race, sex, pregnancy, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion. Todd also represents employees who have been denied overtime wages, minimum wage or meal and rest breaks. Todd is the managing partner of the employment law division at Perona, Langer, Beck, Serbin and Harrison. Perona Langer has the staff and resources to take on any case. Todd accepts employment cases at all stages of litigation, from the beginning through trial and appeal.
James Heiting is a top-rated lawyer in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice (American Lawyer), one of the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in the Nation (National Trial Lawyers), ABOTA, and former president of the State Bar of California. Peers, judges and clients rate him “Superb” (Avvo); and AV Preeminent, the highest possible rating in legal ability and ethics by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of his law school’s Hall of Fame and has been named Inland Empire Magazine’s “Best of the Best.” He has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. Mr. Heiting specializes in representing clients victimized by serious injuries, wrongful death, negligence and serious accidents. He is also involved with a variety of nonprofit and community groups and named to Super Lawyers 11 times.
Calvin House defends and counsels employers on employment issues. He represents public entities with thousands of employees, local businesses, and everything in between. Mr. House has defended against lawsuits and class actions alleging wrongful termination, sexual harassment, wage and hour violations, discrimination, retaliation, and failure to accommodate disabilities. He is an expert in all phases of litigation. He has secured favorable results by negotiating early settlements, filing dispositive motions that do not require a trial, trying cases to California juries, and appealing from adverse results. He is an AV-rated attorney and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He earned his B.A. from Columbia College, and his J.D. from Columbia Law School.
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Selected to Super Lawyers
CHRISTINA HUMPHREY CHRISTINA HUMPHREY LAW, P.C. 1117 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Tel: 805-618-2924 Fax: 805-618-2939 christina@chumphreylaw.com www.chumphreylaw.com
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
B. PAUL HUSBAND
DENA A. KLEEMAN
B. PAUL HUSBAND, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
101 South First Street Suite 202 Burbank, CA 91502 Tel: 818-955-8585 Fax: 818-478-1641 paul.husband@husbandlaw.com www.husbandlaw.com
KLEEMAN • KREMEN FAMILY LAWYERS 499 North Canon Drive Suite 200 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Tel: 310-247-0727 Fax: 310-887-7012 dak@kleemanlaw.com www.kleemanlaw.com
CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS EMPLOYMENT & LABOR CONSUMER LAW
TAX ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS BUSINESS LITIGATION
FAMILY LAW
Christina A. Humphrey is the founder of Christina Humphrey Law, P.C., which focuses on the litigation of individual and class action employment and consumer disputes. Throughout her career, Ms. Humphrey has facilitated recovery of over $800 million on behalf of workers and consumers. She has been appointed lead counsel in at least 35 class actions and since 2016, has recovered over $25 million on behalf of workers and consumers. Ms. Humphrey is a fierce advocate for the underdog, and devotes all of her time representing victims, workers, and consumers who have been wronged.
Paul Husband practices equine, entertainment and tax law. He handles all phases of equine law, including Hobby Loss defense, racing and breeding syndicate formation and equine industry litigation. In entertainment law, he focuses on animation, representing productions, production companies, producers, writers and drawing talent. Mr. Husband is a former American Horse Shows Association Registered Judge, a contributing editor to The American Horse Council Tax Bulletin and co-author of Craigo & Husband: Tax Planning For Horse Owners And Breeders (U.Ky Law). He also serves as General Counsel to ASIFA-Hollywood, the International Animated Film Society.
Dena A. Kleeman has practiced family law since her 1983 graduation from Stanford Law School, becoming a California Certified Family Law Specialist in 1994. Ms. Kleeman handles complex divorce matters involving business valuation, divorce taxation, real property, and complex compensation, benefits, intellectual property and child custody issues. She prepares premarital agreements to structure her clients’ financial arrangements during marriage and prevent divorce-related problems that might otherwise ensue. Ms. Kleeman aggressively represents her clients in litigation when called for. She teams with experts from other disciplines to assure that her clients receive the most knowledgeable, professional services for all facets of their family law case.
Selected to Super Lawyers
ERAN LAGSTEIN
LAGSTEIN LAW FIRM, P.C. 1801 Century Park East 24th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067 Tel: 323-330-0507 Fax: 323-330-0508 eran@lagsteinlawfirm.com www.lagsteinlawfirm.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
STEPHEN LEVINE
DAVID S. LIN
1447 Ford Street Suite 201 Redlands, CA 92374 Tel: 909-798-3300 Fax: 909-798-3301 slevine@mblklaw.org www.mblklawfirm.com
80 South Lake Avenue Suite 512 Pasadena, CA 91101 Tel: 626-792-9688 Fax: 626-792-9116 dlinlaw@sbcglobal.net www.dlinlaw.com
MILLIGAN BESWICK LEVINE & KNOX
LAW OFFICES OF DAVID S. LIN
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF BUSINESS LITIGATION
CRIMINAL DEFENSE FAMILY LAW
BUSINESS LITIGATION INSURANCE COVERAGE BUSINESS/CORPORATE
Born in Israel and raised in Las Vegas, Eran is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. His education in Psychobiology, along with his background of coming from a family of physicians, endows him with a considerable level of understanding and compassion for the suffering experienced by accident victims, as well as the extent of the impact an injury may have on an individual’s life. Eran attended UCLA, receiving his B.S. and graduating magna cum laude and in the top 8% of his class. He pursued his legal education at the UCLA School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in addition to receiving recognition as one of the leading oral advocates and legal writers in the state. Since founding Lagstein Law Firm, Eran has recovered millions of dollars for his clients.
Stephen P. Levine has been practicing law in the State of California since 1977. He is a partner at the Redlands law firm of Milligan Beswick Levine & Knox, where he maintains a statewide practice focusing on criminal law and the defense of individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors of all types, and on family law matters, including high conflict and high-net-worth divorce cases. Levine has substantial litigation experience with both of these areas of the law and is one of only five criminal defense attorneys in San Bernardino County to have been certified as a specialist in criminal law by the California Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Levine is an active member of several professional organizations, including the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
Attorney David S. Lin has nearly 30 years of legal experience representing business clientele as well as individual plaintiffs in Southern California, and in foreign countries such as China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Lin has extensive legal experience, including numerous trials, which he has taken to successful verdicts and obtained significant monetary judgments on behalf of his clients. Lin is a graduate of Cornell University and Boston University School of Law. In today’s competitive business environment, the firm strives toward achieving the best possible results for its clients while maintaining the utmost integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
THERESA J. MACELLARO
GERALD MARCUS
JAMES J. MCGARRY
1748 Preuss Road Los Angeles, CA 90035 Tel: 310-399-8585 Fax: 310-399-8686 tmacellaro@macellarolaw.com www.MacellaroLaw.com
24025 Park Sorrento Suite 430 Calabasas, CA 91302 Tel: 818-784-8544 Fax: 818-784-5970 geraldmarcuslaw@aol.com www.geraldmarcuslaw.com
615 North Nash Street Suite 305 El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel: 310-606-8675 Tel: 310-463-0372
THE MACELLARO FIRM, P.C.
THE LAW OFFICES OF GERALD L. MARCUS
LAW OFFICES OF JAMES J. MCGARRY
jamesjmcgarry@mcgarrylaufenberg.com www.mcgarry-laufenberg.com
BUSINESS LITIGATION GENERAL LITIGATION ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE
Theresa Macellaro is a business and entertainment attorney who handles high-profile litigation in both state and federal court. A Forbes entity selected and interviewed Macellaro as one of America’s Most Influential Women, as did a Fortune entity for America’s Best CEOs and Best Corporate Lawyers. The Los Angeles Lakers and Comerica Bank jointly presented her with their Best of Los Angeles Women’s Business Award for excelling in the legal profession. Los Angeles CityBeat magazine has called her a powerhouse litigator. Macellaro and her cases can be read about in the Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily Journal, New York Daily Journal, and Chicago Tribune, among other publications.
The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus was founded in 1987 on the belief that every single innocent injured victim is entitled to the best possible legal representation regardless of the size of their case. We fight for our clients aggressively and zealously and maintain that our job is to protect our clients’ interests and to prosecute their cases so that we can maximize their recovery. Our firm has handled more than 15,000 cases since 1987 and our practice areas include all types of personal injury cases. We have obtained settlements, awards, and verdicts totaling more than $250 million. Gerald L. Marcus has been a member of CAOC, CAALA, AAJ, and served as 2019 president of LATLC, LACBA, BHBA, SFVBA. He has been named to Super Lawyers eight years in a row and was a 2019 Top 100 list honoree.
James J. McGarry has practiced in state and federal, trial and appellate courts in California since 1980. He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. McGarry has been recognized by Los Angeles magazine as one of the “Top Attorneys in Southern California” and by Los Angeles’ Leaders in the Law. James McGarry successfully handles all phases of litigation, including mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal. He represents clients in a wide array of construction site lawsuits and in litigation involving professional security guarding services, products liability, transportation and trucking. He also represents the interests of the California Highway Patrol, and its sworn peace officers, in lawsuits alleging wrongful death, excessive force and claimed civil rights violations.
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ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-6.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
PETER J. MCNULTY
RANDY W. MEDINA
JOHN C. MURPHY
MCNULTY LAW FIRM 827 Moraga Drive Los Angeles, CA 90049 Tel: 310-471-2707 Fax: 310-472-7014 peter@mcnultylaw.com www.mcnultylaw.com
LAW OFFICE OF RANDY W. MEDINA, APLC
MURPHY & EVERTZ, LLP 650 Town Center Drive Suite 550 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Tel: 714-277-1700 Fax: 714-277-1777 jmurphy@murphyevertz.com www.murphyevertz.com
301 East Colorado Boulevard Suite 514 Pasadena, CA 91101 Tel: 626-432-1975 Fax: 626-628-3808 rwm@rwmedina.com www.rwmedina.com
CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF ELDER LAW CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS
FAMILY LAW LITIGATION MEDIATION
EMINENT DOMAIN LAND USE/ZONING REAL ESTATE
Peter McNulty graduated from the University of Vermont and Boston College Law School. He is admitted to the California and U.S. District California Courts; Court of Appeals, Ninth, Second and First Circuits; and the U.S. Supreme Court. His firm specializes in catastrophic personal injury and complicated commercial actions with a special emphasis on mass tort matters. His individual verdicts and settlements total in excess of $500 million. He has tried over 130 cases to verdict. Mr. McNulty has an AV Preeminent rating, is listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and has been selected as a top rated lawyer in Medical Malpractice Law. He has been selected to Southern California Super Lawyers since 2010.
Randy W. Medina is a California State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist. He has been in practice for over 20 years. He has devoted his career to providing knowledgeable, assertive, and attentive representation to his clients. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a former sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department. Mr. Medina graduated summa cum laude from USC and earned his law degree from the UCLA School of Law. His office is a full-service family law practice representing clients in a variety of family law matters including divorce, parentage, guardianship, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and cases involving interstate or international issues. He serves as a mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court and is active in various bar associations. Mr. Medina is fluent in Spanish.
John C. Murphy, and Murphy & Evertz, LLP, have earned their clients eminent domain awards totaling more than $300 million over the past six years. Mr. Murphy lectures and writes frequently on eminent domain trial tactics and is contributing author to both national (ABA) and state (CEB) legal practice guides. He has repeatedly been recognized in The Best Lawyers of America (14 consecutive years); earned recognition in the 2012 Orange County Top 50 list in Southern California Super Lawyers; and co-chairs the annual Southern California CLE International eminent domain conference. He represents many of the most prominent agencies, corporations and landowners in the state.
Selected to Super Lawyers
ELLEN A. PANSKY
PANSKY MARKLE ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1010 Sycamore Avenue Suite 308 South Pasadena, CA 91030 Tel: 213-626-7300 Fax: 213-626-7330 epansky@panskymarkle.com www.panskymarkle.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
JOHN S. PETERSON
DAVID ALBERT PIERCE
633 West Fifth Street 26th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Tel: 213-236-9720 Fax: 213-236-9724 jsp@petersonlawgroup.com www.petersonlawgroup.com
9100 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 225, East Tower Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Tel: 310-274-9191 Fax: 310-274-9151 david@piercellp.com www.piercellp.com
PETERSON LAW GROUP PC
PIERCE LAW GROUP LLP
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: PLAINTIFF
EMINENT DOMAIN LAND USE/ZONING REAL ESTATE
ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE
Ellen A. Pansky specializes in legal ethics and malpractice, State Bar disciplinary defense, and expert testimony. Extensive litigation and appellate court experience; argued more than 12 California Supreme Court cases. Author Legal ethics articles, Certified Legal Malpractice Specialist, State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Member/former trustee, Los Angeles County Bar Association; member/former chair, Ethics Committee. State Bar Certified MCLE provider; ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility (2012-2015); member of ABA Center for Professional Responsibility; former member, Editorial Board, Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct. APRL (President 1996); NAWL (President 2003); WLALA; CWL; 2016 Kettlewell Legal Ethics Advisor Award recipient.
John S. Peterson and Peterson Law Group PC represent California real property and business owners in eminent domain, inverse condemnation, CEQA and land use litigation, and landslide and subsidence litigation. Clients range from local owners and businesses to publicly traded corporations. Peterson has achieved numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements and embraces creativity and pragmatism in problem solving. Peterson is recognized in Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. Also with offices at 19800 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 290, Irvine, CA 92612. Tel: 949-955-0127.
David Albert Pierce is a transactional lawyer who also litigates, concentrating on full-service needs of entertainment companies in the areas of securities and finance, labor and employment, and intellectual property matters. He earned a J.D. at Cornell Law School. He is admitted in multiple federal courts, including U.S. Supreme Court, where in 2014 he represented the California Society of Entertainment Lawyers in submission of an amicus brief on copyright. Clients include Academy Award and Emmy Award winners. He teaches a production course at UCLA Extension and Media Law & Ethics at Elon University and lectures worldwide. He is an Executive Trustee of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Southern California. He is the immediate past chair of the BHBA Entertainment Law Section.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
DAVID H. PIERCE
JAMES L. POCRASS
C. JOE SAYAS, JR.
15260 Ventura Boulevard Suite 730 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Tel: 818-826-5480 Fax: 818-826-5486 dpierce@dhpierce.com www.dhpierce.com
1875 Century Park East Suite 2200 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Tel: 310-550-9050 Fax: 310-550-9051 info@pocrass.com www.pocrass.com
500 North Brand Boulevard Suite 980 Glendale, CA 91203 Tel: 818-291-0088 Fax: 818-240-9955 attyjoe@joesayaslaw.com www.joesayaslaw.com
DAVID H. PIERCE & ASSOCIATES PC
POCRASS & DE LOS REYES LLP
LAW OFFICES OF C. JOE SAYAS, JR.
CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION BUSINESS LITIGATION GENERAL LITIGATION
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF AVIATION & AEROSPACE
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF
An AV Preeminent rated lawyer (highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards), founding member of David H. Pierce & Associates PC, and a founding partner and business owner for 11 years at Pierce & Weiss, LLP. A 30-year career of trial experience in civil matters with over 1,000 cases, taken and defended hundreds of depositions, including construction defect and disputes, real estate disclosure, business and employment, premises and auto, professional liability and other complex litigation matters. A member of the ABOTA, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and admitted to practice law in the Central and Eastern Federal Districts of California, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States.
With offices in L.A. and Bakersfield, Jim Pocrass has spent more than 30 years fighting for the rights of people who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries or for families who lost a loved one due to a wrongful death. He often obtains multimillion dollar results, including a $4.5 million helicopter accident verdict, $3.3 million construction accident verdict, $2.9 million car accident verdict, $2.5 million wrongful death settlement and $2.3 million-plus bike accident settlement. A leading bike and pedestrian accident attorney, Jim is a former member of the Board of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and a board member of L.A. Walks. Jim has been named to the list of Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers since 2014.
For over 25 years, Joe Sayas vigorously fought for thousands of employees and consumers in court. He has obtained multimillion-dollar recoveries in wage-and-hour class actions, discrimination, civil rights, insurance bad faith, and serious personal injury cases. Joe’s tireless advocacy helped bring changes to corporate business practices, from promoting lawful payment of employees’ wages, to having fairer dealings with consumers. In recognition of his achievements, he was selected as Top Labor and Employment Attorney in the state by the Daily Journal, California’s leading newspaper for the legal community. He is Past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas. He graduated from Georgetown University Law Center.
SUPER LAWYERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021 Selected to Super Lawyers
SORTED ALPHABETICALLY Selected to Super Lawyers
MARK J. SHERRY
ROBERT J. SHERWIN
6151 Van Nuys Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91401 Tel: 818-781-1503 Fax: 818-989-5288 mark@koszdin.com www.koszdin.com
20750 Ventura Boulevard Suite 400 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Tel: 818-703-6000 Fax: 818-703-0200 bob@lmwslaw.com www.lmwslaw.com
KOSZDIN, FIELDS, SHERRY & KATZ
LEWIS, MARENSTEIN, WICKE, SHERWIN & LEE
Selected to Super Lawyers
JOCELYN H. SICAT SICAT LAW
643 South Second Avenue Suite B Covina, CA 91723 Tel: 626-888-3529 Fax: 888-247-5354 jocelyn@sicatlaw.com www.sicatlaw.com
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
CRIMINAL DEFENSE CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF
As a partner at Koszdin, Fields, Sherry & Katz, Mark J. Sherry is committed to representing clients in Van Nuys, California, Los Angeles County and throughout the San Fernando Valley. He has been in the workers’ compensation field since 1982 and named a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law since 1995. He handles both workers’ compensation and permanent disability claims before the Social Security Administration. He has been with the firm since 1986 and became a partner in 1995. Mr. Sherry has been named a Southern California Super Lawyers honoree consistently since 2009.
Robert Sherwin is a managing partner with the firm of Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee. The firm’s practice consists of workers’ compensation, personal injury and disability pension law. Mr. Sherwin is certified by the State Bar of California as a specialist in workers’ compensation with particular emphasis on representing safety workers, peace officers and firefighters. Mr. Sherwin is a regular lecturer and contributing author to several union and association publications, including The Blue Line, California Fire Service and the Los Angeles City Firemen’s Grapevine magazine. He has argued successfully before the California Courts of Appeal on numerous cases involving statutory interpretation of legislation pertinent to workers’ compensation issues involving safety workers.
Sicat Law always puts their clients first. As a criminal defense attorney, Ms. Sicat has successfully advocated and fought for her clients often resulting in dismissals or no jail time. As a civil attorney, Ms. Sicat has had tremendous success in recovering millions in settlements for personal injury and workers’ compensation clients. Ms. Sicat has been selected to Super Lawyers since 2019, previously selected to Rising Stars from 2014–2018 and maintains being named Top 100 by the National Trial Lawyers. She is selected as Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers, Elite Lawyers, Top American Lawyers, Best Attorneys of America, Client’s Choice by Avvo, and 10 Best Attorneys for Criminal & Personal Injury Client Satisfaction.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
OMAR A. SIDDIQUI
ALAN B. SNITZER
SIDDIQUI LAW APC
695 Town Center Drive Park Tower, Suite 700 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Tel: 714-384-6650 Fax: 714-384-6651 osiddiqui@sidlawpc.com www.sidlawpc.com
LAW OFFICES OF ALAN B. SNITZER, PC
80 South Lake Avenue Suite 800 Pasadena, CA 91101 Tel: 626-449-4300 Fax: 626-449-0830 abs@snitzerlaw.com www.injuredpublicsafetyworkers.com
Selected to Super Lawyers
ERROL H. STAMBLER ATTORNEY AT LAW
10880 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1101 Los Angeles, CA 90024 Tel: 310-473-4525 Fax: 310-446-4610 ehstambler@gmail.com www.errolstambler.com
BUSINESS LITIGATION GENERAL LITIGATION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF
CRIMINAL DEFENSE CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR APPELLATE
High-profile trial lawyer, engineer, and former U.S. Congressional Candidate (CA48), Omar A. Siddiqui is managing partner at Siddiqui Law APC. Mr. Siddiqui and his high-profile cases consistently appear in prominent media circuits including television, radio, and newspapers. A powerful courtroom advocate, Mr. Siddiqui’s practice includes civil and business litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country. He obtained a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School and holds Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering from USC. From simple transactions to complex high-stakes litigation to working with the FBI and the CIA, he is known for his innovative solutions, investigations, and case strategies. Trial Lawyer + Engineer + Scientist = Problem Solver.
Alan Snitzer has practiced law for 42 years and is one of the few attorneys in California whose workers’ compensation practice is limited to representing sworn police officers and firefighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty. He is one of the few workers’ compensation lawyers also handling personal injury and wrongful death cases, mostly involving on-duty traffic accidents for sworn clients, but also for anyone seriously injured. Mr. Snitzer has been rated AV Preeminent, the highest possible ranking by Martindale-Hubbell, for both legal skills and ethics, for 22 years. He has been deemed a Certified Specialist in workers’ compensation law by the State Bar of California. He has been a Director of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association for the last 12 years.
For 40 years as a California State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Errol H. Stambler defends individuals who face federal and state criminal charges, from white-collar crimes such as frauds to other serious offenses. As a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, Errol understands the criminal justice system from a unique viewpoint, enabling a powerful defense for his clients. His practice covers trial work, criminal appeals, and writs of habeas corpus. As the former Head of the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel in the Central District of California, Errol exemplifies what it means to be a strong, competent criminal defense lawyer with his expert insight, quality representation, and strong relationships with clients.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers
HAROLD J. STANTON
PAUL D. SUPNIK
6320 Canoga Avenue Suite 1620 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Tel: 818-501-4224 Fax: 818-501-2021 stantonlaw@aol.com www.stantonlawcorp.com
9401 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1250 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Tel: 310-859-0100 Fax: 310-388-5645 pds@supnik.com www.supnik.com
STANTON LAW CORPORATION
LAW OFFICE OF PAUL D. SUPNIK
Selected to Super Lawyers
PAM TEREN
TEREN LAW, P.C.
225 Avenue I Suite 203 Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Tel: 310-543-2300 Fax: 310-543-2303 Pam@TerenLawGroup.com www.TerenLawGroup.com
FAMILY LAW
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Hal graduated UCLA Law School where he served as a Law Review Senior Editor. He became a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice, then entered private practice. In 1979 he joined the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and served as President of the Southern California Chapter and Dean of its Trial Advocacy Institute. Hal lectures on intellectual property, celebrity goodwill, and complex business issues in Family Law. He uses his business law background and negotiating skills to avoid unnecessary litigation and his experience and talent to prevail in the courtroom. Hal has been named to Super Lawyers for 18 consecutive years in family law. He practices family law litigation, mediation and consultation with his wife and partner, Marian L. Stanton, M.A. J.D.
Paul Supnik practices trademark, copyright, and entertainment law. He advises businesses in selection and brand usage, protects trademarks through registration, enhances value through licensing and litigates disputes. Paul has spoken on these subjects in the U.S. and internationally. Industries represented include: Internet, apparel, cosmetic, restaurant, advertising, sporting goods, software, financial, arts, and media. Paul has served as president of the Los Angeles Copyright Society, chair of both the Entertainment and IP Law and International Law Sections of the Los Angeles County Bar, and chair of the Los Angeles Lawyer magazine editorial board. He is a co-author of “The Essential Guide to Entertainment Law: Intellectual Property.”
Pam Teren has dedicated her career to advancing employees’ rights by prosecuting claims for sexual harassment, sex/race/ age/disability and other forms of illegal discrimination as well as claims for illegal retaliation, wage theft and Covid-19 claims. Ms. Teren began her career defending employee claims and uses her defense experience to avoid defense traps. Ms. Teren enjoys a perfect record in avoiding summary judgment motions and an excellent trial record. Ms. Teren’s experience, writing skills, aggressive representation and plain-English communication style empowers her clients with knowledge and maximizes their settlements and verdicts.
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I DIDN’T HAVE A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH A LOT OF MALE COANCHORS, BECAUSE THEY SUFFER FROM SOMETHING CALLED BIGSHOT-ITIS, AND IT’S SORT OF DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR AND SORT OF NARCISSISTIC BEHAVIOR AND AN INABILITY TO STOP TALKING.” CO N N I E C H U N G CO M E S C L E A N I N T E RV I E W BY A N D R E W G O L D M A N I L LU S T R AT I O N BY R O B E RT R I S KO
L A M AG . C O M 57
Connie Chung C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 6 3
there.” When Charlie Rose was doing his program, he was carrying on about himself so much. I said, “You could do such a good interview program because you’re so smart.” And he said, “As long as you know that, I’m fine.” I thought, “Isn’t that interesting?” On the final show, you sang Bob Hope’s “Thanks for the Memory” seated on top of a grand piano in a really beautiful dress and long gloves. It was much discussed at the time, and one of YouTube’s mostwatched videos. You must have had a couple of glasses of champagne to get the nerve up to do that, no? You know what? There has always been a crazy person on one of my shoulders, and a good, solid citizen on the other. Throughout my career, the good, solid citizen was always telling me, “Don’t do it. Whatever you’re thinking, don’t do it. You’re going to ruin your career.” And the crazy one on the other shoulder was saying, “Come on, what the heck? You want to have fun, you want to do something a little different, go ahead. What the heck?” So once I left the network and took the straitjacket off, I went a little nuts. It was like, “They can’t make me do this. They can’t make me do that. They can’t say, ‘You got to go cover Tonya Harding or O. J. Simpson.’ You can do whatever you want.” I have this crazy stand-up comic screaming to get out of me. I really can’t sing. It was not an effort to sing on key. I was sliding off the piano in a goofy way. Everything I did was supposed to be a mess. And, obviously, I didn’t pull it off, because everyone took it seriously and thought I had gone off my rocker. Whenever I see you and Maury together, I can say the nicest thing that
I can say about anybody who’s been in marriage as long as you: It’s quite obvious that you don’t fucking hate each other. There seems to be a real, genuine affection between you two. Well, during the quarantine, we were prone to cannibalize each other. I could not believe how many things he did not know how to do. Like what? Vacuuming. It’s pretty self-explanatory, isn’t it? Yes. You just move it forward and backward! But he was doing it like he was mowing a lawn. He was going from right to left, turn, left to right, turn. The cord was getting all tangled, and he was going to fall. And I said, “Are you kidding me? You don’t know how to vacuum?” The man has had a show since ’91. I can’t even imagine how much wealth he must’ve accumulated from it. Presumably when you get to that status, you don’t need to use a vacuum. He has done well. I think his parents never thought he would be able to survive his teenage years. Nor did they ever think that he could support himself. But I think at one point his father [famed Washington Post sports columnist Shirley Povich] finally said, “I think you’re going to be OK.” And it was a sentimental moment for Maury because he’d always been the bad boy. I remember hearing you say you interviewed O. J.’s mom. Yes. And she has no teeth. I called my husband, and I said, “Maury, I’m about to do this interview with O. J.’s mother, and she’s got no teeth.” And he said, “Gosh, on my show, we give people teeth.” Is that true? I’ve been to downtown Stamford, Connecticut. And I looked around at the people, and I wondered if I was in the zombie apocalypse. But then I realized they were there to be on your husband’s show. The Maury Show, yeah. So if you’re dentally challenged, Maury will give you teeth? Are these just teeth for the broadcast, or can you bring them home with you?
Maybe there’s just one set of teeth for everybody? This was many years ago, so I don’t know if they still do teeth. But I’m not sure if they’d give them just a bite plate of some sort or really take the person to the dentist and fix him up. I don’t know. I hope Maury doesn’t take this the wrong way, but I feel like whenever I switch on that show, I’m going specifically for that toothless vibe. Well, I understand. But I think maybe in this case, people could articulate a little better with teeth. I was surprised to learn there’s a strain of marijuana called Connie Chung. You know, Andrew, there is nothing I am more proud of. Nothing. I mean, you can take your Pulitzers, you can take your Emmys, whatever. This is arriving. Presumably you’ve tried it. Tell me about the weed. Why’s it called Connie Chung? And what’s the high like? I’m not answering that. But it’s easy to grow. I’m easy to grow. I am lowmaintenance, which I think is fantastic. I have a pretty flower. And I am good under stress. In other words, if you have a deadline, I can ease your feelings of stress. [Laughs] Maury said he tried it, and I can’t imagine you’re going to let Maury try the weed alone. I started wondering if you might be one of those secret potheads. Oh, no. No, no, good heavens. I tried it in college, but only with this one guy I trusted. And he was so great, and we laughed a lot. OK. Last thing. Finish this line. “The loveliest man that I ever encountered in the news business was . . .” For coanchoring, it was [KNXT/KCBS Los Angeles’s] Jess Marlow. Working with him was a joy. And Walter Cronkite was the best. He was so nice. How about “The most despicable man that you ever encountered in news was . . .”? You know what, I’d rather not. You’re saving it for your book? No, I’d Rather not. Rather not say! L A M AG . C O M 1 3 1
Q
EMAIL YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT L.A. TO ASKCH RIS@LAMAG.COM
What’s the story behind that strange Scooby Doo van that’s always buzzing around L.A.?
A:
Turns out there’s a bunch of old TV vehicles making the rounds, from Knight Rider’s KITT to Herbie the Love Bug, most of them created by avid superfans. Warner Bros. still owns a Scooby Doo van it occasionally rolls out for charity appearances, but the one you’re seeing is probably a lime-and-aqua replica created by Edmundo Alarcon, a former Disney tour guide from La Puente who retrofitted his 1981 Volkswagen in tribute to his favorite show. Notwithstanding occasional engine trouble, he now rents the van to an array of fellow Scooby aficionados through a website called Starcarcentral .com. Previous passengers include Tommy Chong, Cypress Hill, cartoon cosplayers, and “girls who want to take sexy Daphne and Velma pictures, like a cartoon fetish hentai thing, I guess,” says Alarcon. Q: Is it true that L.A. built the first Vietnam memorial in America? A: The monument at the entrance to the Montrose Shopping Park was dedicated to war dead in June 13 2 L A M AG . C O M
1968, seven years before the war ended and 14 years before the one in DC went up. Supporters, including Congressman David Dreier, claim it is America’s first Vietnam memo-
rial, but a junked, 12-foot monolith in Santa Monica and Kaspaul Memorial Field in Malibu were dedicated in 1967. Both have since been decommissioned. Q: I used to love that LAPD parrot who’d pop up in PSAs. Is he still on the force? A: Michael Simonsen had just enrolled in the Los Angeles Police Department when he was assigned to teach safety to school kids in ’70s Hollywood. On a visit to Busch Gardens, he spotted a macaw and decided such a creature would make a perfect wingman. Simonsen then
Q: There’s a big steel door in the sidewalk on Main Street near Second downtown. Where does it lead? A: The vaguely alien edifice you’re referring to caused a bit of confusion when it first materialized in front of the LAPD motor-pool building. It wasn’t a gangplank to a spacecraft, though it looked like one. We’re told it was actually the cover for an underground fiber-optic vault that synchronizes the streetlights, but it was initially installed upside down. The city fixed it after we called.
Dinos Soar GIANT ROBOTS COME TO POMONA
S CO O BY D O O : WA R N E R B R O S . /Z U M A P R E SS .CO M ; J U R ASS I C Q U E ST: P H OTO CO U RT E SY J U R ASS I C Q U E ST
S H AG GY D O G ST ORY
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Linda Cardellini on the set of 2002’s live-action Scooby Doo.
found his own bird, dressed him in a tiny uniform, and taught him to ride a bike, a skateboard, and a pint-sized patrol car. Needless to say, Officer Byrd soon became a local TV star, with PSAs that ran into the ’90s. (LAPD Chief Daryl Gates eventually made Byrd a full-fledged officer.) The buddy cops still live together in Riverside and occasionally make an appearance for Simonsen’s Officer Byrd Foundation, though the 45-year-old macaw’s tricks are now limited to photo ops.
C H R I S ’S P I C K
O Remember Lion Country Safari? L.A. kids of the ’70s and ’80s watched as live lions, elephants, and giraffes wandered 140 acres of Irvine chaparral. This month, kids can experience something like that, only this time it’s populated by robot dinosaurs. Jurassic Quest is a drive-through adventure coming to the Fairplex in Pomona February 19 through 28. Motorists can cruise through scenes featuring more than 70 enormous animatronic beasts, puppets, and costumed actors in Jurassic-ish landscapes. The roars are piped into your car via Bluetooth. Last year, the silicone dinos saw more than a million visitors around the country, where tots could not only gawk, but also pose with, pet, and even ride the massive creatures. This year’s event is strictly in-vehicle, but you do get a souvenir photo of a big rubber lizard cuddling your car when the safari’s over. jurassicquest.com.
VOLUME 66, NUMBER 2. LOS ANGELES (ISSN 1522-9149) is published monthly by Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Principal office: 5900 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA, and additional mailing offices. The one-year domestic subscription price is $14.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LOS ANGELES, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, which must be accompanied by return postage. SUBSCRIBERS: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Copyright © 2021 Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Best of L.A.® is a registered trademark of Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. SUBSCRIBER SERVICE 866-660-6247. GST #R133004424. PRINTED IN THE USA.
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