Sara J. O'Connell

Arash Khalili is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Arash, who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Arash is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carol Johnston works with individual clients to develop sophisticated planning techniques for the preservation and protection of family wealth. Her advice covers an array of estate and tax planning issues, and she represents fiduciaries and handles administration of estates and trusts. Widely recognized in legal industry publications as a leading lawyer for trusts and estates, Carol is praised by peers as "knowledgeable" and someone who "works well with others." Carol is recognized as a leadi...

Daniel Prince is a Partner in the Litigation Department of Paul Hastings. He works in the Firm's Los Angeles and Palo Alto offices. Mr. Prince is Vice Chair of the Litigation Department in Los Angeles, where he also serves as Hiring Partner for the office. Mr. Prince represents clients in corporate and government investigations and complex litigation matters, including domestic and international arbitration, trials, and class actions. In addition to handling commercial disputes, Mr. Prince co...

Victoria Newmark is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Victoria, who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Victoria is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott J. Witlin is a partner and the administrator of the Labor & Employment Department in the firm's Los Angeles office. He is Co-Chair of the firm's Wage and Hour Practice Group and a member of the firm's Entertainment, Media and Sports Practice Group. Scott assists companies in dealing with the challenges of employing workers in California and throughout the U.S. Scott's practice includes both traditional labor and employment law matters, including wage and hour class actions, arbitrat...

Erik Von Zeipel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Erik, who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erik is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Poitras is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. David, who practices law in Woodland Hills, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Julia R. Haye’s entertainment practice includes successful resolution, at trial and in arbitration, of complex business disputes involving profit participation, motion picture production and distribution, rights ownership, copyright and trademark infringement, idea submission, and other entertainment-related conflicts and contractual disputes. Her counsel and interests encompass every genre of entertainment and media, including studio and independent motion pictures, television, music, ...

Andrew T. Ryan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Andrew T., who practices law in Manhattan Beach, California, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

JOEL G. SAMUELS joined the firm’s Bankruptcy group in Los Angeles in June 1985, following a one-year clerkship with the Honorable James R. Browning, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Samuels has represented a variety of clients in both in-court bankruptcy cases and out-of-court restructurings, including secured and unsecured creditors, creditors’ committees and debtors. Mr. Samuels’ representations have included: Representation of D...