February 7, 2006
ORANGE COUNTY – Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, the national law and consulting firm, announced today that prominent business litigation and trial attorney, Alan J. Kessel, has joined the firm’s Orange County office as a partner. Mr. Kessel was previously a partner in the Irvine office of Buchalter Nemer.
Mr. Kessel focuses on business, real estate and environmental litigation and trial work for a range of national and regional technology companies, manufacturers, distributors and real estate developers. He also provides preventive litigation and risk management services, both to Orange County-based businesses and national clients with Orange County-based needs.
“Alan is a top-notch litigator with a growing reputation in the region,” said Paul H. Irving, Manatt’s Chief Executive and Managing Partner. “Our litigation practice continues to experience substantial growth in each of our key markets. Alan is a strong fit, and adds another smart and sophisticated litigation component to our expanding Orange County office.”
Mr. Kessel received his B.A., cum laude, from Tulane University in 1984, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma. He earned his J.D. in 1987 from the New York University School of Law, where he was elected to the Annual Survey of American Law.
Mr. Kessel regularly speaks and writes and has been a presenter at trial practice seminars. He is a member of the American, California and Orange County Bar Associations. Mr. Kessel was recently selected as a Southern California “Super Lawyer” in business litigation by Los Angeles Magazine.
“We are very pleased to add a litigation partner of Alan’s quality,” added Ellen R. Marshall, Administrative Partner of Manatt’s Orange County office. “Alan has extensive experience, deep relationships and a track record of success within this developing market for the firm.”