On November 4, 2020, gig-economy companies operating in California (particularly, ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft) breathed a deep sigh of relief, as Proposition 22 - which exempts app-based driving services from having to re-classify their drivers from independent contractors to employees under Assembly Bill 5 (“AB 5”) - was overwhelmingly approved by California voters. But this was not without the drivers receiving certain employee-like protections and benefits they otherwise were not receiving.
Specifically, Proposition 22, (which did not do away with AB 5 as some people may think), provides app-based drivers with occupational accident insurance to cover injuries and illnesses incurred on the job. It also requires app-based transportation and delivery companies to provide healthcare subsidies to drivers who work at least 15 hours a week in the form of a stipend towards private health insurance (as opposed to health insurance through an employer healthcare option), and an even greater stipend if the worker drives more than 25 hours a week. Proposition 22 also promises “guaranteed minimum earnings” equal to 120% of California’s minimum wage. However, these minimums only apply to “engaged time” on the app, which covers roughly 30% of workers’ shifts when there is a passenger in the car. Finally, Proposition 22 requires that app-based transportation and delivery companies: (1) develop sexual harassment policies; (2) conduct criminal background checks; and (3) mandate safety training for their drivers.
In addition to Proposition 22, the state legislature recently enacted AB 2257, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 4, 2020. AB 2257 allows district attorneys, in addition to the Attorney General and certain city attorneys, to seek injunctive relief against businesses suspected of misclassifying independent contractors, which could lead to increased enforcement actions. More fundamentally, however, AB 2257 expands certain existing exemptions and categorizes additional professions as exempt under AB 5. In other words, worker classification in these newly exempt industries will be determined under the prior Borello test as opposed to the Dynamex test.
For example, AB 2257 creates exemptions for various professions in the entertainment industry. Specifically, the bill exempts from AB 5 (1) professions related to creating, marketing, promoting, or distributing sound recordings or musical compositions, but not film or television; (2) musicians or musical groups performing single-engagement live events that are not (a) a symphony orchestra, a musical theater production, or occurring at a theme park or amusement park, (b) a headliner in a venue with over 1,500 attendees, or (c) occurring at a festival that sells over 18,000 tickets per day; and (3) individual performance artists (i.e. comedians, magicians, mimes, etc.) who present material that is their original work and creative in character, and who can meet certain other requirements related to the control over their work.
AB 2257 also enlarges AB 5’s “professional services” exemption, which applies to individuals in specified industries.[1] While this exemption previously applied to photographers, photojournalists, freelance writers, editors, and newspaper cartoonists – it has been expanded to include videographers, photo editors, translators, copy editors, and illustrators; however, workers performing these services in the film or television industries were not included. Critically, these workers are no longer limited to 35 content submissions per year to remain eligible for this exemption. In other words, workers in these industries will remain governed by Borello regardless of how often they submit content to an individual hiring entity (so long as they satisfy additional requirements, including that the work is performed under a written contract containing specific terms for payment). Additionally, other workers now included by AB 2257 under this “professional services” exemption are: those who contribute to the content of a journal, book, periodical, or any other educational, academic, or instructional work; specialized short-term instructors; registered professional foresters; and real estate appraisers/home inspectors.
AB 2257 further revises AB 5’s “referral agency” exemption, which applies to the contractual relationship between a business, including individuals operating as a sole proprietor, and a “referral agency” wherein the referral agency provides client connections. Critically, AB 2257 expands the kinds of referral agencies businesses may contract with while availing themselves of this exemption. Specifically, “referral agencies” now include those in consulting, youth sports coaching, caddying, and interpreting services. Further, AB 2257 requires the contracting business to certify to the referral agency that it possesses proper business licenses and tax registration, and must maintain such documentation for at least three years – obligations that had been imposed on the referral agency under AB 5.
Moreover, AB 2257 expands AB 5’s “business-to-business” exemption, which is not limited to specific industries and applies to contractual relationships between businesses when one (the “service provider”) is hired to perform services for the other (the “contracting business”). In particular, public agencies and quasi-public corporations are now included as “contracting businesses”. Further, while AB 5 required that service providers provide services directly to the contracting business, AB 2257 now allows them to provide services directly to the contracting business’s customers - so long as the service provider’s employees perform “under the name” of the service provider. Relatedly, AB 2257 also exempts the relationship between two individuals (acting as sole proprietors or business entities) wherein work is performed under contract at the location of a “single-engagement event.”
Lastly, AB 2257 adds unqualified exemptions from AB 5 to the following occupations: licensed landscape architects; licensed professionals who provide underwriting inspections and other services for the insurance industry; manufactured housing salespersons; people engaged by an international exchange visitor program; and competition judges with specialized skills.
In sum, California’s worker-classification landscape is complex and continues to evolve. While an entirely new framework was imposed in recent years with the enactment of AB 5 and decision in Dynamex, legal challenges, including those in the legislature (i.e. AB 2257) and at the ballot box (i.e. Proposition 22), continue to soften AB 5’s rigid confines. These challenges will have the likely effect of allowing the use of independent contractors in a growing number of industries to remain largely undisturbed. Further, while President-Elect Joe Biden has indicated his support for AB 5 and a desire to adopt and apply a similar framework nationally, only time will tell if such a nation-wide change will occur. Nonetheless, businesses must stay vigilant and remain extremely careful when classifying a given worker, as penalties for misclassification can be severe and, as mentioned above, enforcement actions for misclassification can now be brought by district attorneys.
[1] The “professional services”, “referral agency” and “business-to-business” exemptions discussed herein additionally require the party seeking to validate independent contractor status to demonstrate that the worker in question meets certain requirements related to independence, which must be closely analyzed with the specific facts surrounding a given relationship.
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For more information about our Business Litigation practice and employment law specialty, please contact Jeffrey Gersh at .
About the Authors:
Jeffrey Gersh is a Partner of the Firm in the Business Litigation Practice. Before joining Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP, Jeffrey was Managing Partner of The Gersh Law Firm, Inc. for over 10 years and a partner for 25 years with a prominent litigation law firm. Jeffrey has been named a Thomson Reuters “Super Lawyer” for more than 9 years by his peers; an honor only achieved by less than 2.5% of attorneys in California.
Jeffrey successfully litigates, arbitrates, or mediates for both plaintiffs and defendants complex business and commercial matters, whether for individuals, public or private corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and/or its members, shareholders and partners. Jeffrey Gersh successfully handles disputes regarding contract matters, trade secrets, intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights and trade dress) negligence and fraud, employment, real estate, license agreements, the apparel and garment industry, and general business matters.
Garett Hill is an associate of the Firm. His practice focuses on all stages of business litigation.
Since joining the Firm, Garett has made significant contributions to a wide variety of litigation matters. Specifically, Garett has assisted in the successful resolutions of complex commercial arbitrations, partnership disputes, judicial dissolution actions, and breach of contract and fiduciary duty claims. Additionally, he has provided invaluable insight and advice to clients in developing areas of law, including proper worker classification and government relief programs made available to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles attorneys Dan Rozansky, Cristy Jonelis and Celina Kirchner have been featured in the Daily Journal with their article "Pitfalls of proposed amendments to CDA Section 230."
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has come under fire once again due to Twitter's recent decision to block all access to two articles from the New York Post containing information and images allegedly obtained from Hunter Biden's hacked laptop. This was another in a series of actions Twitter has taken to enforce its terms of use, which began in May when Twitter flagged two tweets by President Donald Trump with the phrase "Get the facts..." and a link to articles providing a different perspective from that put forth by the president. In response, President Trump issued an executive order calling for government agencies to clarify and limit the scope of Section 230 protection. On Sept. 23, the attorney general submitted proposed amendments to Section 230 to Congress, along with a cover letter and a separate explanation of the intended meaning of the proposed amendments.
To read the full article click here.
SA&M Attorneys Published In Daily Journal
Daniel Rozansky is a Partner of the firm in the Business Litigation Practice. Clients engage Dan before disputes ever arise to advise on strategies to minimize litigation risk and to put clients in a position for a successful outcome if litigation does arise. For example, he regularly reviews television pilots, screenplays and other material in development to assist those clients in identifying and avoiding potential liabilities; he advises clients, including Fortune 100 companies, on best practices for recording communications; he counsels clients on best practices to protect trade secrets and other confidential information; and he guides clients contemplating exiting unfavorable business relationships. When disputes arise, Dan brings his decades of experience at AmLaw 100 and 200 firms and his relentless approach help achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. This approach has led Dan to be recognized as an industry leader, including being listed as a top entertainment and media litigator in Chambers USA (2011-2019). In 2013, 2014, and 2016, he was featured in Variety’s “Legal Impact Report,” which names the top attorneys who are making a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
Cristy Jonelis is Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Business Litigation Practice. Cristy is well-versed in all aspects of business and commercial litigation, having overseen numerous cases from inception to winning verdicts (and even the subsequent winning appeals). However, her primary focus is in the area of entertainment and media litigation, with particular emphasis in the anti-SLAPP arena.
Cristy has represented a wide variety of clients on both the plaintiff and defense side, including television and motion picture producers, reality television production companies, radio stations, film financiers, banks, investment firms, transportation companies, and credit card companies.
Cristy takes pride in her ability to help clients reach their endgame in the most efficient way possible, without sacrificing the quality of work product. Cristy is cognizant that cases often take left turns, and she is able to quickly adapt to respond to any obstacle that is thrown her way during the complex litigation process.
Celina Kirchner is an A
ssociate in the Business Litigation Practice group. Celina’s civil litigation practice focuses on all areas of business and commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on digital media, technology, internet, privacy, emerging companies, insurance, breach of contract, fraud, and complex business disputes. In her practice, Celina works closely with business professionals of all levels in order to develop practical strategies for resolving their disputes. She also advises businesses on formation, governance and contracting matters in the hope that they can avoid litigation altogether. Having worked with clients of all sizes, Celina understands that every case is unique and, ultimately, comes down to people. She focuses on the human element of her cases and communicates in an understandable, business manner. In the end, Celina endeavors to make what can be a stressful time for her clients as smooth as possible. Celina is a frequent speaker at events centered around digital media and the burgeoning Silicon Beach community.
For more information about our Business Litigation practice at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, contact Daniel Rozansky at
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles attorneys Dan Rozansky, Cristy Jonelis and Celina Kirchner have been featured in the Daily Journal with their article "Twitter, Hunter Biden & the CDA's Section 230 Safe Harbor."
Twitter is once again making headlines after blocking users from tweeting two New York Post articles on the basis that the articles violated its terms of use. On October 14, 2020, the New York Post published two articles regarding Hunter Biden, son of presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden. The articles were based in part on information obtained from emails recovered from a laptop that is alleged to have belonged to Hunter Biden. After the New York Post publicized the articles on its Twitter account, Twitter marked any link to the articles as “potentially unsafe,” blocking them from the platform entirely.
Twitter’s restriction of information once again thrusts Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act into the spotlight. Section 230 provides that “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” This article discusses Section 230 and its application in this scenario.
To read the full article click here.
The article can also be found at The Daily Journal by clicking here.
SA&M Attorneys Published In Daily Journal
Daniel Rozansky is a Partner of the firm in the Business Litigation Practice. Clients engage Dan before disputes ever arise to advise on strategies to minimize litigation risk and to put clients in a position for a successful outcome if litigation does arise. For example, he regularly reviews television pilots, screenplays and other material in development to assist those clients in identifying and avoiding potential liabilities; he advises clients, including Fortune 100 companies, on best practices for recording communications; he counsels clients on best practices to protect trade secrets and other confidential information; and he guides clients contemplating exiting unfavorable business relationships. When disputes arise, Dan brings his decades of experience at AmLaw 100 and 200 firms and his relentless approach help achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. This approach has led Dan to be recognized as an industry leader, including being listed as a top entertainment and media litigator in Chambers USA (2011-2019). In 2013, 2014, and 2016, he was featured in Variety’s “Legal Impact Report,” which names the top attorneys who are making a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
Cristy Jonelis is Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Business Litigation Practice. Cristy is well-versed in all aspects of business and commercial litigation, having overseen numerous cases from inception to winning verdicts (and even the subsequent winning appeals). However, her primary focus is in the area of entertainment and media litigation, with particular emphasis in the anti-SLAPP arena.
Cristy has represented a wide variety of clients on both the plaintiff and defense side, including television and motion picture producers, reality television production companies, radio stations, film financiers, banks, investment firms, transportation companies, and credit card companies.
Cristy takes pride in her ability to help clients reach their endgame in the most efficient way possible, without sacrificing the quality of work product. Cristy is cognizant that cases often take left turns, and she is able to quickly adapt to respond to any obstacle that is thrown her way during the complex litigation process.
Celina Kirchner is an Associate in the Business Litigation Practice group. Celina’s civil litigation practice focuses on all areas of business and commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on digital media, technology, internet, privacy, emerging companies, insurance, breach of contract, fraud, and complex business disputes. In her practice, Celina works closely with business professionals of all levels in order to develop practical strategies for resolving their disputes. She also advises businesses on formation, governance and contracting matters in the hope that they can avoid litigation altogether. Having worked with clients of all sizes, Celina understands that every case is unique and, ultimately, comes down to people. She focuses on the human element of her cases and communicates in an understandable, business manner. In the end, Celina endeavors to make what can be a stressful time for her clients as smooth as possible. Celina is a frequent speaker at events centered around digital media and the burgeoning Silicon Beach community.
For more information about our Business Litigation practice at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, contact Dan Rozansky at
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles Attorney, John De La Merced, was featured as a speaker on a CLE panel along with former California Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Carlos R. Moreno (Ret.) and Toni Jaramilla, discussing the ins-and-outs of arbitration and practical tips. The CLE event, “Arbitration: A How-to-Guide,” was held at JAMS’ offices in Downtown Los Angeles. In the past two years, John has helped achieve incredible results on behalf of SA&M clients in arbitration, which include obtaining a favorable award in a complex bet-the-company case following a two-week long arbitration proceeding, and resolving a multi-million dollar partnership dispute on the eve of the final arbitration hearing.
To learn more about our Business Litigation Practice please contact John De La Merced at
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles’ attorney John De La Merced will be featured as a speaker for a CLE event on "Arbitration: A How-To Guide" presented by the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) and JAMS on Thursday, July 11th, 2019. The event speakers will provide a backdrop of arbitration, best practices, and recent developments in the United States Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Topics will include:
JAMS Los Angeles Resolution Center
555 West 5th Street, 32nd Floor,
Los Angeles 90013
Reception 6:00pm | Program 6:30pm
To register for the event click here.
John R. De La Merced is an attorney at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP and is a member of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice group, representing clients in commercial, intellectual property, and real estate disputes in federal court, state court, and arbitration. His experience encompasses all aspects of the litigation process, including managing client matters, drafting operative pleadings and responses, law and motion practice, discovery, mediation, client counseling, and assisting in arbitration and trial.
Prior to joining the firm, John was an associate at a large international law firm where he represented clients in complex trust and estate litigation and commercial litigation matters.
An active member of the community, John is the President and a member of the Board of Governors for the Philippine American Bar Association, the oldest and largest local association of Filipino-American lawyers in the United States. John is also a proud member of the UCLA School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors, and the St. Thomas More Society of LA Advisory Committee. In 2018, John was a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of LA County Board of Governors. John further enjoys mentoring current and future law students, as well as junior attorneys in the Southern California area.
[vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" overlay_strength="0.3" shape_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_position="all" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" width="1/1" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]Congratulations to Stubbs Alderton & Markiles attorney John De La Merced for his appointment to the UCLA School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. The UCLA School of Law Alumni Association has over 17,000 Bruin alumni members and seeks to establish and nurture a lifelong relationship between the school and its alumni in an effort to strengthen the legal community and to assist in the development of the full potential of UCLA School of Law. The Board of Directors governs activities and policies of the UCLA Law Alumni Association.
For more information about the Board of Directors, visit here.
John R. De La Merced is an associate of the Firm. His practice focuses on business litigation, which includes commercial, intellectual property, and real estate disputes. His experience encompasses all aspects of the litigation process, including managing client matters, drafting operative pleadings and responses, law and motion practice, discovery, mediation, client counseling and assisting in arbitration and trial. John is currently the President-Elect of the Philippine American Bar Association and is a member of its board of governors. In 2019, he will serve as the organization’s President. John also serves on the board of governors for the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County, and on the advisory committee for the St. Thomas More Society of Los Angeles.
For more information about our Business Litigation Practice or questions contact John De La Merced at [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Los Angeles, CA, January 16, 2018 (Newswire.com) - Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP, Southern California’s leading business law firm, has announced that Dan Rozansky has joined the firm as a partner in its Sherman Oaks office. Mr. Rozansky will join the Business Litigation practice group.
“Dan is a fantastic addition to our firm” commented Scott Alderton, Managing Partner. “Not only does he augment our litigation practice at a very senior level, which is the fastest growing segment of our firm, he also brings a synergy to our entertainment and digital media practices, which are at the core of our technology expertise. Dan would be a great asset to any firm in the country, and we feel very fortunate that Dan chose to join Stubbs Alderton & Markiles.”
Mr. Rozansky concentrates his litigation practice on entertainment, privacy, First Amendment and complex business and real estate disputes. Recognized as an industry leader, Dan has been listed as a top entertainment and media litigator in Chambers USA (2011-2016). In 2013, 2014, and 2016, he as featured in Variety’s “Legal Impact Report,” which names the top attorneys who are making a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Prior to joining Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, he worked at Jenner & Block’s Los Angeles office.
Dan Rozansky stated, “I am thrilled to be joining the firm. It is rare to find a business law firm of this size with such high quality corporate lawyers and litigators under the same roof. I chose Stubbs Alderton because its technology focus and deep bench of talented attorneys will allow me to continue delivering excellence to my clients.”
To read Dan Rozansky’s full bio, click here.
To view the full press release, visit here.
To view the story on the SFV Business Journal, visit here.
About the Stubbs Alderton & Markiles Business Litigation Practice
The Firm’s business litigators have significant depth and breadth of resources and a detailed knowledge of clients’ industries and business concerns. As trusted counselors to middle market businesses, and particularly early stage, growth companies and entrepreneurs, we understand that how a company or entrepreneur handles dispute risk oftentimes is the difference between business success and failure. For more information about the Business Litigation practice at Stubbs Alderton, click here.
About Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP is a business law firm with robust corporate, public securities, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and business litigation practice groups focusing on the representation of venture backed emerging growth companies, middle market public companies, large technology and Internet companies, entertainment, video games and digital media companies, investors, venture capital funds, investment bankers and underwriters. The firm’s clients represent the full spectrum of Southern California business with a concentration in the technology, entertainment, video games, apparel, consumer electronics, and medical device sectors. The firm’s mission is to provide technically excellent legal services in a consistent, highly-responsive and service-oriented manner with an entrepreneurial and practical business perspective. These principles are the hallmarks of the firm. For more information, please visit www.stubbalderton.com.
Contact:
Heidi Hubbeling
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP
(310) 746-9803
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP is pleased to announce that six lawyers have been named to the 2017 Southern California Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
Super Lawyers Magazine features the list and profiles of selected attorneys and is distributed to attorneys in the state or region and the ABA-accredited law school libraries. Super Lawyers is also published as a special section in leading city and regional magazines across the country. Lawyers are selected to a Super Lawyers list in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP would like to congratulate the following attorneys named to the 2017 Super Lawyers list -
Scott Alderton is a founding partner of the Firm, Managing Partner, and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Scott is co-chair of the Firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth Practice Group and chair’s the Firm’s Interactive Entertainment and Video Games Group. Scott advises both public and private clients across a number of industries, including technology, manufacturing and distribution of goods in commerce, finance, the Internet, interactive video games, and new media industries.
Joe Stubbs is a founding partner of the Firm, and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He is co-chair of the Firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth Practice Group, and of the Firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group. Joe practices in the areas of corporate and securities law, emphasizing the corporate representation of both publicly-held and privately-held emerging growth and middle-market companies, venture capital and private equity firms, angel investment groups and investment banks.
Michael Sherman is an accomplished trial lawyer in high-stakes, “bet-the-company” litigation, and has represented both large and early-stage companies as well as entrepreneurs in all facets of business and complex commercial litigation. He has evenly split his litigation practice on both the plaintiff and defense side of cases, has first-chaired numerous trials in complex matters in industries as varied as energy, securities, healthcare, environmental, consumer products, technology, project development/finance, advertising, real estate and apparel, and is highly skilled in class actions and unfair competition law.
Jeffrey F. Gersh is a Partner of the Firm. He has litigated, arbitrated, or mediated complex business and commercial matters, for both plaintiffs and defendants, whether individuals, public or private corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and/or its members, shareholders and partners, involving various types of disputes, including contract matters, trade secrets, intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights and trade dress) negligence and fraud, employment, real estate, license agreements, the apparel and garment industry, and general business matters.
Kevin D. DeBré is the chair of the Firm’s Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Practice Group. Kevin advises entrepreneurs and companies that use intellectual property to build their businesses. Kevin has particular expertise in structuring and negotiating technology commercialization and patent licenses, strategic alliances, research and development collaborations, trademark licensing and brand merchandising agreements and manufacturing, distribution and marketing arrangements. He also counsels clients on compliance with data security and privacy laws and regulations.
The official Super Lawyers 2017 publication can be read in its entirety here.
For more information about Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, contact Heidi Hubbeling at or (310) 746-9803.
December 2016 -- U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the sixth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP has been ranked in the 2017 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list and regionally in 1 practice areas.
Firms included in the 2017 "Best Law Firms" list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
The 2017 Edition of "Best Law Firms" includes rankings in 74 national practice areas and 122 metropolitan-based practice areas. One "Law Firm of the Year" is named in each of the 74 nationally ranked practice areas.
Ranked firms, presented in tiers, are listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism and their integrity.
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP received the following rankings in the 2016 U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms":
The official Best Lawyers 2017 publication can be read in its entirety here.
For more information about Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP contact the firm at .
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP is proud to announce that four of their attorneys have been listed in the 2016 Southern California Super Lawyers edition. Congratulations to Scott Alderton, Joe Stubbs, Kevin DeBré, and Michael Sherman.
What is Super Lawyers? Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. To view the digital publication, click here.
A little bit more about the attorneys:
Scott Alderton - a founding partner of the Firm, Managing Partner, and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Scott is co-chair of the Firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth Practice Group and chair’s the Firm’s Interactive Entertainment and Video Games Group. Scott advises both public and private clients across a number of industries, including technology, manufacturing and distribution of goods in commerce, finance, the Internet, interactive video games, and new media industries.
Joe Stubbs - Joe Stubbs is a founding partner of the Firm, and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He is co-chair of the Firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth Practice Group, and of the Firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group. Joe practices in the areas of corporate and securities law, emphasizing the corporate representation of both publicly-held and privately-held emerging growth and middle-market companies, venture capital and private equity firms, angel investment groups and investment banks. He acts as outside general counsel to numerous emerging growth and technology companies, advising on a wide range of legal and strategic issues at all stages of their evolutionary path. He particularly concentrates on advising companies in preparing for and successfully completing their angel, venture capital, private equity and debt financing transactions, their merger, acquisition and divestiture transactions and their initial and follow-on public offerings. He also serves as outside general counsel to various publicly-held companies, providing advice on all aspects of their business activities, including securities law compliance and corporate governance matters. His experience also includes corporate partnerships, restructurings and technology licensing.
Kevin DeBré - Kevin D. DeBré is the chair of the Firm’s Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions Practice Group. Kevin advises entrepreneurs and companies that use intellectual property to build their businesses. Kevin has particular expertise in structuring and negotiating technology commercialization and patent licenses, strategic alliances, research and development collaborations, trademark licensing and brand merchandising agreements and manufacturing, distribution and marketing arrangements. He also counsels clients on compliance with data security and privacy laws and regulations. Kevin is a business lawyer, a registered patent lawyer and a former engineer. He focuses on representing software companies, semiconductor design firms, mobile commerce businesses, e-commerce enterprises, electronics and hardware manufacturers, media companies, content developers and publishers, biotechnology companies and medical device manufacturers both in the United States and abroad.
Michael Sherman - Michael Sherman is a Partner of the Firm and Chair of the Business Litigation practice group. Michael is an accomplished trial lawyer in high-stakes, “bet-the-company” litigation, and has represented both large and early-stage companies as well as entrepreneurs in all facets of business and complex commercial litigation. He has evenly split his litigation practice on both the plaintiff and defense side of cases, has first-chaired numerous trials in complex matters in industries as varied as energy, securities, healthcare, environmental, consumer products, technology, project development/finance, advertising, real estate and apparel, and is highly skilled in class actions and unfair competition law. Michael’s trial skills and courtroom success resulted in his being named several years ago to the “Top 100 Lawyers” in California list, published by the Daily Journal newspaper chain. He has consistently been named to “Best Lawyers in America”. Michael has been recognized as a leading trial lawyer by his peers and featured in the press for some of his significant victories on behalf of clients. He is a recent past president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He is a frequent speaker and writer on business litigation and trial advocacy.
For more information about Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, contact Heidi Hubbeling at or (310) 746-9803.
Leading Business Litigation Group Headed by Michael Sherman Joins Firm
Los Angeles, CA (March 11, 2014) – Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP, Southern California’s leading business law firm, has announced that nationally recognized litigator Michael Sherman has joined the firm as a partner in its Sherman Oaks office. Mr. Sherman will lead the firm’s newly-created Business Litigation practice group.
Michael Sherman is an accomplished trial lawyer in high-stakes, “bet-the-company” litigation, and has represented both large and early-stage companies as well as entrepreneurs in all facets of business and complex commercial litigation. He has evenly split his litigation practice on both the plaintiff and defense side of cases, has first-chaired numerous trials in complex matters in industries as varied as securities, healthcare, environmental, consumer products, technology, project development/finance, advertising, real estate and apparel, and is highly skilled in class actions and unfair competition law. Michael’s trial skills and courtroom success resulted in his having been named to the “Top 100 Lawyers” in California list, published by the Daily Journal newspaper chain.
“Stubbs Alderton & Markiles has been planning to expand our capabilities by creating a vibrant business litigation practice, and we could not be more excited about having someone of Michael’s stature joining us to do so. We have worked closely with Michael for many years, often referring our most important litigation matters to him at Bingham McCutchen. Michael is one of the best litigation attorneys in Los Angeles, and together we are going to build a general litigation practice that is as dynamic, efficient and effective as the transactional practice we have built over the last 12 years.”
The addition of the Business Litigation practice group continues the firm’s strategic expansion in the Southern California market, following the opening of their Santa Monica office and addition of a Brand Development and Content Protection practice in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
“Southern California is one the world’s largest economies. Its business life-blood is entrepreneurs and start-ups that have grown to become many of the world’s leading businesses. The partners of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles know that as well as any lawyers. Managing disputes efficiently and strategically is on occasion the key to success, and that’s what I bring to the Firm. I’m very excited to participate in the Firm’s continued success.”
Michael has been recognized as a leading trial lawyer by his peers and featured in the press for some of his significant victories on behalf of clients. He is a recent past president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He is a frequent speaker and writer on business litigation and trial advocacy, and has consistently been named to “Best Lawyers in America” in the field of commercial litigation.
Also joining the firm is David Gubman, a seasoned business litigation attorney. David will join the firm as of counsel in its Sherman Oaks office. David has big-firm experience and he and Michael have successfully tried cases together.
Please visit www.stubbsalderton.com for complete attorney bios.
About the Stubbs Alderton & Markiles Business Litigation Practice
The Firm’s litigators have significant depth and breadth of resources and a detailed knowledge of clients’ industries and business concerns. In providing the best possible representation, our litigators appreciate that on occasion disputes may need to be tried to a judge, jury or arbitrator, and that in other instances the client is best served with an early resolution that is designed to preserve business relationships and minimize expense and litigation distraction.
Our litigators have a proven track record for analyzing complex legal and business challenges. Our attorneys are experienced, innovative and aggressive in their pursuit of strategic outcomes.
Our litigation clients include household name Fortune 500 companies along with middle market, and emerging growth companies. We seek to make long term relationships with our clients throughout their evolutionary path. We deliver efficiency and value to every client we serve through a well-defined budget and clear communication about their case.
About Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP is a business law firm with robust corporate, public securities, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and business litigation practice groups focusing on the representation of venture backed emerging growth companies, middle market public companies, large technology and Internet companies, entertainment, video games and digital media companies, investors, venture capital funds, investment bankers and underwriters. The firm’s clients represent the full spectrum of Southern California business with a concentration in the technology, entertainment, video games, apparel, consumer electronics and medical device sectors. The firm’s mission is to provide technically excellent legal services in a consistent, highly-responsive and service-oriented manner with an entrepreneurial and practical business perspective. These principles are the hallmarks of the firm. For more information, please visit www.stubbsalderton.com
Contact:
Heidi Hubbeling
Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP
(310) 746-9803