SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 10, 1999 (PRIMEZONE) -- The law firm of Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP (JMBM) has made a significant move to expand its Financial Services Group with the announcement that Robert B. Kaplan, David M. Wiseblood and three other attorneys will join the Firm's San Francisco office.
When the five attorneys join the Firm at the end of February, they will enhance JMBM's group of more than 30 attorneys who are specialists in serving financial services companies. Kaplan and Wiseblood will bring more than 35 years of combined experience in the representation of banks, thrift companies, as well as asset-based lenders, leasing companies, mortgage companies, and conduit lenders. Their practice includes a wide range of services including Article 9 secured transactions and problem-solving in commercial/secured transactions, real estate secured transactions, complex federal and state court litigation relating to commercial law and lender liability claims. In their careers they have served financial institutions and conduit lenders in major workouts and Chapter 11 reorganizations, including income-producing properties such as hotels, office towers and apartment complexes.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, John A. Graham, chairman of JMBM's Financial Services Group, described the Kaplan team's move as "a doubling of our reach to the financial companies in northern California" and "a loud and clear reaffirmation of our commitment to San Francisco's continuing status as a financial hub of both the western U.S. and the entire Pacific Rim."
From his Los Angeles office, JMBM Managing Partner Bruce P. Jeffer added that, "This firm has always been called upon by clients to help solve the most complex legal problems they face. The consolidating, shifting, innovating and exciting financial services sector is right where we have been and right where we want to be in the future. We've not only enjoyed a long track record of success, but in recent years have been building our Financial Services Group, enhancing and strategically adding the best blend of legal talents. Bob Kaplan and his colleagues are just one more -- albeit significant -- step toward deepening what we believe to be the best financial services practice in California and the west."
JMBM's Financial Services Group (including five partners already resident in the Firm's San Francisco office) are attorneys drawn from across legal disciplines of litigation, bankruptcy, corporate, tax, real estate and land use, intellectual property and others who are deeply conversant in the customs, norms, standards and practices that are unique to the financial services industry.
Asked why he chose to join JMBM, Kaplan noted JMBM's track record in financial services and said, "JMBM is a firm that builds a client service team and focuses the diverse experiences of its attorneys in order to design and execute the optimal client solution. Client focus, creativity, and the critical mass of financial expertise necessary to carry through on the best legal thinking: in a nutshell, that's why I'm joining JMBM." Wiseblood noted that he looked forward to "working hand-in-glove with the other extraordinary services of JMBM" and the chance to "bring smart litigation, real estate, labor and other solutions to top sources of traditional and sophisticated financial products."
Graham concluded the announcement of the addition of these attorneys with perspectives on the financial industry itself. "As the consolidation of the financial services sector accelerates and a unified financial services industry becomes more and more of a reality, the importance of having an integrated legal team of financial services specialists becomes an absolute necessity. In today's kind of business environment, clients should expect no less."
About JMBM
JEFFER, MANGELS, BUTLER & MARMARO LLP is a West Coast business law firm with 140 attorneys working from offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. With a diverse client base, the Firm provides a business-oriented approach to solving legal problems in a cost-effective manner. With a growing reputation as the California firm to hire when confronted with a particularly difficult legal problem, JMBM counsels clients on the wide range of business law needs.
In the area of litigation (including pre-litigation advice), the Firm has deep expertise in general business and commercial law, labor and employment, insolvency and creditors' rights, intellectual property matters, and has an active civil trial practice.
Other business law needs are addressed by practices in general corporate law, securities, banking and financial services; real estate and hospitality; taxation and estate planning, including ERISA; and entertainment, sports and advertising.