Clyde & Co opens LA office
US and international law firm Clyde & Co has opened an office in Los Angeles, following partner Julie Hawkinson's move to the city.
Further to this opening, Clyde & Co has hired Jim Koelzer from law firm Robins Kaplan, who has experience in representing domestic and international insurers in connection with complex claims and coverage litigation.
The new office will be made up of both Hawkinson and Koelzer, along with Marie Roehm, who join the firm from Robins Kaplan as a counsel, along with Aaron Sussman, who joins as an associate.
Roehm has 35 years of experience with insurance coverage and claims handling issues, representing insurers in California and nationally.
Clyde & Co senior associate Natasha Mikha will also be located in the office, to focus on aviation and aerospace liability.
Clyde & Co also suggested this office will allow the firm to expand the services it offers to its LA client base. It also complements the firm's existing presence in California and makes it easier for other US and international partners to support Los Angeles based clients and litigation.
Bill Casey, partner and chair of the US board at Clyde & Co, said: "We've long operated in Los Angeles, but now is the right time to formalize our presence there. As a large and vibrant commercial centre and hub for insurance litigation and aviation, our clients are increasingly looking for legal advice in the city. A permanent on-the-ground presence will help us deliver the best service to our clients and act as a platform to help recruit the finest legal and insurance talent in southern California and beyond."
Hawkinson added: "In addition to its well-known prowess in the creative industries, LA also has a burgeoning technology sector based around Silicon Beach, which is leading to a growing volume of technology related activity for our insurance clients. We look forward to growing our client base in the city by having a permanent base there."
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