Melanie Ross

Nicholas “Nick” White advises clients on Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law , with a practice focused on ERISA consulting and tax-qualified retirement plans. Based in Los Angeles, California, Nick counsels employers, fiduciaries, and plan sponsors on a broad range of employee benefits matters, including the correction of plan defects, prohibited transactions, and fiduciary issues through Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor remedial programs. He also advises fiduciaries reg...

Richard began his career as a workplace lawyer in 1977 after obtaining degrees from Cornell University’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations and the Santa Clara University law school. Richard has spent his entire career assisting management defend and risk manage workplace related legal matters and proposed personnel transactions. His experience in the trenches enables Richard to provide management with a clear-eyed assessment and strategic options. Richard’s style is one w...

Thomas R. Freeman is a principal at Bird Marella and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Law. His practice is focused on civil litigation at the trial and appellate levels, and criminal appeals. He is certified as an appellate specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and has argued countless cases before federal and state appellate courts and case-dispositive motions before trial courts. Tom has handled a broad range of complex matters, including...

Sandra Lee Montgomery’s practice is focused on commercial and corporate finance, asset-based lending, subordinated debt finance, other secured and unsecured lending and related workout transactions. In connection with her practice, Sandra’s representation involves the establishment of credit facilities for both public and private companies in the context of acquisitions, recapitalizations, restructurings, refinancings, debtor-in-possession, working capital and other strategic fina...

Michael E. Scheinberg is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Michael E. practices law in Los Angeles, California Best Lawyers has recognized Michael E. Scheinberg since 2007. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael E. Scheinberg is held by other lawyers.

Lary Alan Rappaport is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Lary Alan practices law in Los Angeles, California Best Lawyers has recognized Lary Alan Rappaport since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lary Alan Rappaport is held by other lawyers.

Verlan Y. Kwan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Verlan Y. practices law in Los Angeles, California Best Lawyers has recognized Verlan Y. Kwan since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Verlan Y. Kwan is held by other lawyers.

John M. Gatti is a partner in the firm's entertainment litigation practice and resident in the Los Angeles office. His practice includes 31 years of litigation and trial experience in state, federal and bankruptcy courts as well as representing individuals and corporations in complex business and commercial lawsuits. John has trial experience across a variety of industries, with a specific emphasis in the entertainment, media and sports industries. John’s experience in the entertainment...

Tal Grinblat is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Franchise & Distribution Law, and Chair of Lewitt Hackman's Intellectual Property Practice Group in Encino, at the heart of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. He typically represents clients in all aspects of franchise and trademark transactions. Tal served multiple terms on the Franchise Law Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California, and served as Chair of the Committee in the 2008-2009 and ...

William Bernfeld focuses his practice on real estate and commercial law. He regularly assists clients in acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing of real estate projects in a variety of sectors throughout California including office, retail, restaurant, hospitality, and industrial. Bill regularly works on behalf of lenders to secure permanent, construction, and distressed project financing, as well as handling asset-based and commercial lending transactions on behalf of instituti...