SAN FRANCISCO, April 1, 2008 - Farella Braun + Martel announces new practice area and committee leaders.  Partner Gregory B. Shean was named chair of the Real Estate Department, Partner Dennis M. Cusack was appointed chair of the Insurance Coverage practice and Partner Steven L. Vettel is the new co-chair of the Diversity Committee.

"Greg and Dennis are strong leaders and exemplify the evolution of the next generation of leadership at Farella. They will continue to build on the strengths and successes of these core practice areas," said firm chairman Steve  Lowenthal.  "In addition, as our Diversity Committee builds on the momentum gained in 2007, Steven as the new co-chair will continue the committee's efforts to advance diversity within our firm and throughout the legal profession."

Shean's real estate practice focuses on acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, entity formations and joint ventures, construction, financing, and development.  Shean specializes in transactional work for the hospitality industry and serves as co-chair of the firm's Hospitality Industry Team.  He regularly advises both hotel owners and managers regarding expansion and reduction of their property portfolios, management and technical assistance agreements and operational issues.  Shean earned his J.D., Order of the Coif, from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (1995) and his A.B., magna cum laude, from Bowdoin College (1989).

Cusack represents individuals and corporations seeking insurance coverage under general liability, directors and officers, professional errors and omissions, workers compensation, and homeowner's policies.  He has also handled insurance claims arising out of individual and class action lawsuits for product defects, securities, patent infringement, antitrust and unfair competition, personal injuries, investment and employee benefits fraud, environmental discrimination, and a variety of commercial torts.  He also maintains an active pro bono practice in international human rights law and sits on the Board of Directors for the Tibet Justice Center.  Cusack received his J.D., cum laude, from University of California, Hastings College of Law (1986) and his B.A., cum laude, from Yale University (1979).

A partner in the Real Estate Department, Vettel's practice focuses on representing Northern California developers, property and business owners in land use, zoning, and legislative matters.  He regularly appears before planning commissions, legislative bodies, redevelopment agencies and zoning officials.  In addition, Vettel counsels on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance and defends his clients' environmental review documents in both administrative and judicial forums.  He is co-chair of the Lawyers Council of the ACLU of Northern California.  Vettel earned his J.D. from University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law (1984) and his B.A. from Stanford University (1977).

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 Hepp / Traci Stuart
Blattel Communications
415.397.4811
[email protected] / [email protected]

Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433
[email protected]