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

MATTHEW ERTMAN, 37

FIRM: Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP

LAW SCHOOL: Loyola

SELECTED CLIENTS: Firestorm Capital LLC, First Beverage Group, Content Partners LLC, China Investment Corp.

YEARS IN PRACTICE: 12

Biggest Deal: Represented a large foreign investor in the acquisition of an interest in a large slate of film and television properties for in excess of $500 million.

Best Career Moment: Every time a new fun client or transaction comes in the door.

Worst: Represented a client in the purchase of a local business. The seller and his counsel convinced my client that minimal customary buyer protections were necessary. Ultimately, the client purchased the business and realized that the business was much less healthy than had been portrayed.

Highlight of Past Year: Represented a couple in the sale of a business that they built. It sold for more than they expected and allowed them to retire comfortably.

The Secret to Closing a Deal: In the current economy, closing deals has been much more difficult. It is essential to identify with your client key business and legal elements at the onset, understand which elements are game-breakers, and set reasonable expectations for negotiation and resolution.

If I Weren’t an Attorney: I would love to be a high school football coach. I grew up in a football family and played college football.

My Colleagues Don’t Know: I’ve broken 13 bones from numerous sports-related accidents.