Business Journal makes its case for L.A.’s top lawyers who shepherd the biggest M&A deals.

LAWRENCE M. BRAUN, 56

FIRM: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

LAW SCHOOL: Northwestern University School of Law

SELECTED CLIENTS: Northrop Grumman, Sanders Industries, Universal Protection Services, Alcatel, Electro Rent Corp., Rose Bowl, La Curacao, Dah Mei Ltd., Arcadian Healthcare, privately owned businesses, entrepreneurs

YEARS IN PRACTICE: 30

Biggest Deal: Sale of Boeing Co.’s Wichita aero structures business in Kansas to Spirit AeroSystems and the related multiyear supply arrangement.

Most Difficult Deal: Frankly, every M&A transaction is challenging. Recently I represented a foreign company in a sale of its international business operations to a U.S. public company. Our client, the seller, had locations in the United States, Europe and eight locations in Asia. The transaction took over a year to conclude.

Highlight of Past Year: During one eight-week period I completed six M&A transactions, completed a financing, signed a definitive sale agreement to sell a unit of a public company, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire a private company, signed a merger agreement to sell a private company to a public company, closed a bankruptcy acquisition, and signed five letters of intent to buy and sell various businesses.

If I Weren’t an Attorney: I’d be an owner and operator of a business. I like the fast pace and challenges that owners are facing in this environment. I think I could put together a great team to manage a business to success.

My Colleagues Don’t Know: I have a black belt in karate.