Law360 Profiles Los Angeles Office in its Latest Snapshot

Firmwide managing partner Ed Perron, who is based in Los Angeles, told Law360 that the firm strives to retain its talent by creating a collegial office culture.

“The reason I’ve never really thought about leaving is because I’ve got this team that I know and appreciate. They know me and appreciate me. We just enjoy doing what we do together,” said Perron, who joined in 1979. “We pride ourselves on our collegiality within the firm.”

Robert Wallan, an Insurance Recovery & Advisory partner who joined in 1990, added: “We go to each other's weddings and funerals and kids being born and graduations. There’s a real personal connection among the lawyers. There are an awful lot of very close friends over many years… We have each other’s back.”

Semma Arzapalo, a corporate partner who represents institutional investors, became the office's managing partner in September 2020. She said the mentorship she received starting in her earliest days with the firm helped with her rise to the top.

“I received invaluable mentorship firmwide, whether it was the women’s group or the diversity group efforts, [people] making sure I was getting quality work. The firm is fantastic at doing that,” she said. “I always felt like I was being challenged in the right way and brought up as a strong partner candidate.”

The office has robust practices in litigation, real estate, entertainment and technology, Law360 reported. It’s also home to one of the few government contract and dispute practices offered outside of Washington, DC, by a large firm. Likewise, the Los Angeles office is well known for its insurance policyholder practice, co-chaired by Wallan, who is representing In-N-Out as it seeks coverage for losses arising from coronavirus shutdowns and contamination.