Chicago-based litigation firm Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney Ltd. entered the Los Angeles market in December, making it the firm’s fourth new location in four months.
The firm opened an office at 1901 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, making it the firm’s 15th location nationwide and second in California. Although there are two attorneys based in Century City to start things off, the firm is actively interviewing to fill out the current space. Product liability attorney Chris Norton will be the shareholder-in-charge at Century City.
“I’m really excited about it,” Norton said. “It’s awesome that they have the trust and confidence in me to do this, and I have faith in myself that this is going to work out and be a great thing.”
Founded in 1986, Segal McCambridge typically handles product liability litigation, advising and defending companies against a variety of charges and claims.
Norton said his familiarity with Segal McCambridge began years ago, while he was a partner at the L.A. office of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C. The two firms collaborated on numerous occasions, and as he got to know Segal McCambridge leadership Norton said the idea to expand into L.A. and bring him aboard was “loosely brought up” years ago. Many of the firm’s clients have operations in L.A., and Norton said there were opportunities to add additional clients here.
“This conversation started a decade ago, not very seriously, and then it picked up steam in the last couple of months and it became an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “There was definitely a need there, and now we’re going to fill it for clients that have been with the firm, and also for new clients and clients that I’ve brought over.”
Segal McCambridge first entered California with a San Francisco office, which it opened in September. In addition to Norton, John Eberlein – who was hired in September – will shift to Century City after initially reporting to San Francisco. Firm leadership indicated that it views the West Coast as a major growth opportunity.
“Opening a new office in the second largest metropolitan area in the United States represents a significant achievement for Segal McCambridge,” Jason Eckerly, firm managing shareholder, said in a statement. “Chris’ experience and reputation in Southern California give us a solid foundation to build upon as we continue to expand our presence in the Western United States.”
Norton said he aims to grow the office organically but did not have a specific headcount in mind just yet. Still, he expected to quickly make hires and noted that there was an opportunity to add more office space if necessary.
“We’re actively interviewing and have interviewed a bunch of people at all levels. Any opportunity that’s a good fit for the firm, good people you want to work with, that’s what we’re looking for,” he added. “I think there’s an opportunity here for exponential growth in a smart way that delivers the core values of the firm. In the coming months, it’s going to be more than just a few attorneys in the L.A. office.”
