Law Firms

Former state Treasurer Matt Fong, the Republican U.S. Senate nominee in 1998 who lost to Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer, has rejoined his former law firm. Fong worked with Los Angeles' Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton from 1985 to 1990, when he ran for state controller. After he lost that race, then-Gov. Pete Wilson appointed him to the State Board of Equalization, a position he held until he was elected state treasurer in 1994.

A private law firm that defended clients in some of the biggest murder trials of the last two decades may be losing its county contract to a San Joaquin Valley law firm that is offering to do the job at half the cost. Partners in Conflict Defense Associates said they were told late Thursday that judges appear to favor a county committee's decision to ask the Board of Supervisors to bring in John A. Barker & Associates to handle cases ranging from petty theft to murder.

Enron Corp. said that its longtime outside law firm, Vinson & Elkins, had agreed to pay it $30 million to settle claims that it took part in the fraud at the collapsed energy company. Vinson & Elkins will also waive its claims against the Enron estate for $3.9 million in legal fees. Under the terms of the settlement, Vinson & Elkins did not admit any fault or liability. It must be approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge.

Lerach Coughlin Stoia & Robbins, the biggest U.S. law firm representing investors in securities fraud suits, is regaining a presence in New York a month after splitting up with its Manhattan-based partners. Lerach agreed Thursday to acquire the 15-lawyer firm Geller Rudman, with offices in Melville, N.Y., which is on Long Island, and in Boca Raton, Fla., firm co-founder William S. Lerach said. Samuel H.

A law firm has been hired to help prepare a financial plan to pay for new roads, sewers and power lines that must be built at the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station to make the base an economic asset to the city. Sitting as the Redevelopment Agency, the City Council on Monday picked the law firm of McDonough, Holland and Allen from among four applicants to provide legal services.

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire a Century City law firm for $35,000 to help with the lawsuit the city has filed challenging Burbank Airport's $300-million plan to expand its terminal. On a 10-0 vote, the council hired Manatt, Phelps and Phillips to help the city press its case that an environmental impact report by the airport failed to provide plans to mitigate the noise, air pollution and traffic problems that the city says will result from the terminal project.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 9 to 1 Friday to retain outside lawyers to help defend the city in a lawsuit brought by Tennie Pierce, a firefighter whose firehouse meal in 2004 was laced with dog food. Pierce has alleged that the act was racially motivated. The contract with the firm Jones Day is worth as much as $750,000. The case is scheduled to go to trial in March. Councilman Bernard C. Parks dissented, saying the city has spent enough on the case. He has pushed for a settlement.

Former Insurance Commissioner Roxani Gillespie said Wednesday she will become a partner on June 1 of the Los Angeles law firm of Buchalter, Nemur, Fields and Younger--a major litigator for insurance companies. Although it has a general business practice, the 190-lawyer Buchalter, Nemur firm is one of the biggest insurance practitioners in the state, representing such companies as Farmers and the American International Group, including its important subsidiary, National Union.

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a $3.5-million punitive damages verdict against Baker & McKenzie, the world's largest law firm, in a sexual harassment case brought by a former secretary. The court, meeting in closed session, refused to review the 1994 jury award to Rena Weeks, who said a former partner at the law firm groped her, lunged at her and made sexually suggestive remarks.

Former Gov. George Deukmejian, who emphasized foreign trade development during his final term as governor, will try to develop foreign business for a large international law firm with offices in Los Angeles, it was announced Tuesday. Deukmejian, 62, who retired as governor Jan. 7, will become a partner in the 125-year-old firm of Sidley & Austin, operating out of its downtown Los Angeles office. His first work day will be Monday.