WHO’S WHO IN LAW – ANDREW APFELBERG

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

ANDREW APFELBERG, 39

FIRM: Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff Inc.

LAW SCHOOL: Boston College Law School

SELECTED CLIENTS: Kate Somerville Skin Care Inc., Trench Shoring Co., Smarsh, Inc., Cesar Millan Inc., Carlin Capital Partners

YEARS IN PRACTICE: 15

Biggest Deals: Sale of OPI Products to Coty, sale of Fiji Water to Roll International, equity financing for Westlake Financial Services provided by Marubeni Corp.

Best Career Moment: Standing in the conference room of a well-known private-equity firm watching my client embrace his family in celebration after signing the last document of a minority recapitalization that would put growth capital into the company and provide a significant liquidity event for my client.

Worst: The difficulty of securing my first job after law school. I graduated at a time when few entry-level attorneys were being hired, and from a school that did not have a strong reputation in Los Angeles. Most firms in town were more interested in graduates of local schools or the Ivies. It was disheartening to be judged by something other than your own character and ability.

Highlight of Past Year: We helped a family sell its San Jose franchise to Swisher Hygiene. While not massive in terms of commas and zeros, it made a fundamental difference to the financial position and lifestyle of the family for multiple generations.

If I Weren’t an Attorney: I would love to be a professional soccer player, but unfortunately don’t have the skill. I would also be about 15 years older than most of the players in their prime.

My Colleagues Don’t Know: That I spend my weekends gardening with my kids, and cooking meals together using the vegetables and herbs that we harvest.

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