Farella Braun + Martel Pours on the Wine Expertise with Addition of Deeply Rooted Industry Attorney

SAN FRANCISCO, February 1, 2007 - Farella Braun + Martel announces today the addition of attorney Susan C. Cagann as Special Counsel in the Business Transactions Group.  Cagann joins with nearly 20 years of experience in compliance, regulation and distribution of consumer products, much of which was gained working in-house with leading national brands, including Kendall-Jackson and Safeway Inc.

"Our Business Transactions Group is well known throughout the state's wine-growing regions for its unique grasp on the business challenges faced by wineries and related companies.  Susan's rich experience, and her ability to see issues from the clients' perspective make her an ideal complement to our team - and, more important, a valuable asset to our clients' teams," said Steve Lowenthal, firm chair. 

Cagann's practice focuses on assisting a wide range of food and wine producers, retailers, suppliers and distributors in complying with industry regulations and laws.  Cagann joins the firm from Nixon Peabody's San Francisco office.  Prior to private practice, Cagann served in both executive and legal capacities for Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates and Jackson Family Farms, a management services company for Jackson's luxury wine portfolio.  Her many roles included counsel on and management of the full range of legal matters facing this wine industry powerhouse, including environmental regulations compliance, including water rights and quality issues; federal and state regulations on the production, marketing and distribution of wine; and Proposition 65 compliance.  Cagann was also a senior attorney at Safeway Inc., where she managed legal compliance in sales and marketing; advertising; consumer protection and privacy; e-commerce; weights and measures; unfair trade practices; transportation; and environmental regulations. 

A frequent author and speaker, Cagann has lectured on a variety of legal topics in national venues, such as the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, Food Marketing Institute Legal Conference and Miami International Wine Fair.  Cagann earned her J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law (1988) and her B.A. from the University of Illinois (1982).

"I'm excited to join Farella Braun + Martel as the unique structure of this outstanding firm with deep roots in the wine industry gives me the opportunity to expand my service platform and increase my personal attention to clients," said Cagann.  "Working with this respected Business Transactions Group will allow me to be part of a close-knit team of tremendously business-oriented and resourceful attorneys."

With its long history in the winery and viticulture business, Farella Braun + Martel is considered the premier law firm in California for comprehensive wine industry representation and maintains an office in the Napa Valley.

Farella Braun + Martel's Business Transactions Group represents public and private entities from inception to dissolution.  Our cross-disciplinary teams are part of our client's business team, providing advice on alternative approaches to transactions and opportunities to help them achieve their goals.  The Business Transactions Group works with clients in numerous industries, with particular strength in the technology, hospitality, media, software, real estate and wine industries.

Since its founding in 1962, Farella Braun + Martel has achieved a national reputation for the acumen of its business practice, the high profile cases of its complex commercial litigation practice and its prestigious client base. Based in San Francisco, the firm serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses. The firm also has an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry and related businesses. Farella Braun + Martel is a Green Business.  http://www.fbm.com

Contacts:

Melinda Faith / Traci Stuart  
Blattel Communications
415.397.4811
melinda@blattel.com / traci@blattel.com 

Cheryl Loof 
Farella Braun + Martel
415.954.4433
cloof@fbm.com

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