Winston & Strawn LLP has announced that six attorneys have joined the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), expanding its labor and employment capabilities. Marcus A. Torrano, Michael S. Chamberlin, and Julie Capell join the firm as partners in Los Angeles. Amy McGinnis Gillinger, Julie Chen, and Olivia N. Tran join as associates. Mr. Torrano formerly served as the head of NRF’s Los Angeles labor and employment practice, and he joins as co-chair of Winston & Strawn’s Los Angeles practice. Mr. Chamberlin will assume a role on various firm wide committees. Messrs. Torrano and Chamberlin have practiced together for 19 years. The addition of the group brings the total count for 2013 lateral hires in Winston & Strawn’s West Coast offices to 15.
“We are thrilled to have Marcus, Michael and their talented group join us in Los Angeles. In the California legal market, labor and employment is one of the three hottest areas in demand, and this will allow us to tap further into the market,” said Eric Sagerman, Los Angeles office managing partner. “The arrival of this well-regarded team furthers our West Coast growth strategy in a very significant way.”
“The group’s substantial experience in employment litigation complements our existing strength in labor and employment not only in California, but on an international basis,” said Rex Sessions, partner and chairman of the firm’s labor and employment practice. “We’re delighted to welcome Marcus, Michael and their team to Winston & Strawn.”
The lateral groups’ experience includes class action work, traditional labor and employment, counseling and single plaintiff defense work. They have extensive experience counseling and litigating on behalf of employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including matters involving executive employment agreements, trade secrets, wrongful discharge, discrimination and harassment issues. The group represents companies in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, financial services, retail, transportation, healthcare, real estate development, forest products, energy and marketing, among others. In addition to litigation, the group also provides training and counseling on personnel policies for companies of all sizes.
“We are all excited to join Winston & Strawn. We believe that joining forces with the firm’s highly recognized labor and employment practice will provide us with many exciting opportunities and allow us to provide exceptional service to our combined clients,” said Mr. Torrano.
“Winston & Strawn’s labor and employment practice is highly regarded globally. We look forward to building upon it and are excited for the opportunity to expand our practice and join the Winston team,” said Mr. Chamberlin.