Westwood law firm Michelman & Robinson LLP recently made Lara Shortz its office managing partner for its headquarters location.

A 13-year member of the firm, Shortz also chairs its employment advice, counsel and executive disputes group. Previously, she led Michelman & Robinson’s labor and employment group.

Highlighting the current period of growth as “transformative” for the firm, Shortz said she looked forward to solidifying the firm’s Los Angeles presence and also fostering leadership development inside the firm.

“Within the office, it’s always an ongoing conversation. I don’t think anybody is surprised when things change in their career path,” she said. “When I was an associate, there was a conversation in the years leading up to partnership. As a junior partner, what do we need to do to get into leadership roles.”

Shortz in September succeeded Ron Cahmi for the role. He remains on the firm’s executive committee.

A national firm with a strong focus on business matters, Michelman & Robinson has in recent years bolstered its Texas and New York outposts. Locally, Shortz said she aims to focus on strategic growth, professional development and office energy and morale. Specifically, she said she anticipated shoring up the firm’s labor and employment and its business litigation teams.

“The caliber of clients we have in this practice and the types of cases we’re handling are really significant,” she said. “We’re handling a lot of really important issues in the space. That’s an area we’re looking for further build out.”

Firm co-founder and chair Sanford Michelman said the elevation was a “natural extension” of Shortz’s tenure with the firm.

“Her exceptional work – from leading our employment law practice to spearheading our recruitment efforts – has set her apart,” he said in a statement. “Lara has earned the respect of both her colleagues and clients alike, and I am confident that she will thrive in this new role and strengthen our presence even more in L.A.”