Dallas, TX-based law firm Thompson & Knight LLP plans to open an office in Los Angeles, CA on Oct. 1, 2012. The law firm practices in a wide variety of areas, including: antitrust, aviation, climate change and renewable energy, construction, corporate and securities, employee benefits, environmental law, estate planning and individual wealth management, executive compensation, franchise, health law, immigration, insurance, railroad, tax, technology, telecommunications, and transportation.
The firm landed litigator Bruce J. Zabarauskas, who joins Thompson & Knight partner Shelly A. Youree to launch the office. Zabarauskas’ practice includes representation of institutional lenders, such as national banks and investment banks, in commercial real estate foreclosure actions and Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. He has experience litigating issues in the professional boxing industry. He has authored articles on federal bankruptcy law and has been an expert witness in connection with bankruptcy related issues. Zabarauskas joins the firm as counsel from Crowell & Moring. Zabarauskas has the following degrees: J.D., 1988, New York University School of Law; B.A., 1985, New York University. He is admitted to practice in: New York and California.
Youree provides advice and counsel to employers and fiduciaries in tax, executive compensation, employee benefits, and equity and incentive programs. Her expertise is in tax and ERISA issues. Youree will lead the Los Angelese office. Youree has the following degrees: LL.M. in Taxation, 1990, New York University School of Law; J.D., 1988, with honors, University of Oklahoma College of Law; B.B.A. in Finance, 1985, University of Oklahoma. She is admitted to practice in: California, District of Columbia, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.
According to a firm press release: “The opening of a California office and the addition of Bruce further strengthen our geographic reach, enhance the services we provide, and demonstrate our commitment to current and prospective clients located in or doing business in California,” Emily A. Parker, managing partner at Thompson & Knight.
The new office will be in Century City at 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 950, Los Angeles, Calif., 90067. The firm has several offices in Texas, an office in Algeria, an office in Detroit, MI, and office in New York, an office in Mexico, and several offices in Europe. Thompson & Knight has about 330 lawyers.
The law firm is known for its pro bono activities. It has received awards from the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program Annual Pro Bono Awards and Volunteer Recognition Events, including the 2010, 2009, and 2006 Bronze Award for Pro Bono Service, 2003 Firm of the Year for Extraordinary Pro Bono Service, and 2002 Support of the Year Award.
Thompson & Knight has embraced sustainability by centering its business environment on adopting the American Bar Association’s “Model Sustainability Policy and Implementation Guidelines for Law Organizations” which includes reducing its carbon footprint.