Ogletree Deakins Expands Los Angeles Office

LOS ANGELES – October 16, 2006 – The Los Angeles office  of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), the nation’s third largest labor and employment law firm, is pleased to announce it has added three attorneys, further expanding the firm’s presence in the Los Angeles area. Jack S. Sholkoff, Marrian S. Chang and Beth A. Gunn, all formerly of the Los Angeles office of Holland & Knight LLP, recently joined the Ogletree Deakins team increasing the firm’s bench strength and ability to help employers with their growing legal needs in California.

Jack S. Sholkoff has practiced labor and employment law since 1989 and represents employers on a wide variety of labor and employment-related legal matters including wrongful termination, employment discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and employee leave cases. He handles all facets of employment litigation, including administrative hearings, jury trials and appeals. In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Sholkoff provides general employment counseling and training seminars to employers. He holds a shareholder position with the firm.

Marrian S. Chang represents and advises employers in a variety of labor and employment matters, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and federal and California wage and hour issues.  She also counsels employers regarding general employment practices, including employee handbooks, wage and hour compliance, disability accommodations, and other employment issues.  She currently serves as an officer and board member of the Korean American Bar Association of Southern California and is an active member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.  Ms. Chang holds an associate position with Ogletree Deakins.

Beth A. Gunn represents employers on a wide range of labor and employment law matters including Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act – and the California versions of these statutes. She advises employers regarding employee handbooks, personnel policies, wage and hour compliance, disability accommodations, and other employment issues. In addition, she conducts training seminars for employers on the prevention of sexual harassment.  Ms. Gunn holds an associate position with Ogletree Deakins.

“This is an exciting time for the Los Angeles office because we are growing and expanding our capabilities in this market, “said Lori Bowman, managing shareholder of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Jack, Marrian and Beth all play an important role in our expansion and bring years of legal experience and know-how to the firm. They are first-rate lawyers and will be a valuable resource to the firm and its clients.”

About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins is the nation’s third largest labor and employment law firm, representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has more than 300 lawyers located in 25 offices from Miami to Los Angeles. In addition to handling labor and employment law matters, the firm has thriving practices focused on business immigration, employee benefits, and workplace safety and health law.  Ogletree Deakins represents a diverse range of clients, including more than half of the Fortune 50 corporations in the U.S.

For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606.