November 11, 2008

Prominent Attorneys Join Hanson Bridgett LLP

Additions substantially expand Employee Benefits practice

San Francisco—Judith V. Boyette, one of the most respected employee benefits attorneys in California, joins Hanson Bridgett LLP as its newest senior partner this month along with two other prominent experts, clearly establishing the firm as a leader in this specialized area of law. With the addition of these attorneys, Hanson Bridgett now offers clients four partners and four associates in its employee benefits practice. The hires also reflect the strength of Hanson Bridgett, a firm that is growing and expanding several practice areas at a time when many law firms are downsizing or dissolving.

"We recognize the growing importance of benefits law and are thrilled that these outstanding attorneys chose to join us," said Hanson Bridgett Managing Partner Andrew Giacomini. "Employee benefits are often one of a client's largest investments and are critical to attracting and supporting a strong and committed workforce. Retirement and health plans, in particular, also involve complex financing and fiduciary responsibilities. We searched extensively to find attorneys of the experience and caliber needed to assist clients with the complex issues related to this practice area."

Hanson Bridgett's new benefits partners and associates are:

• Judith V. Boyette, who was previously associate vice president of Human Resources and Benefits system-wide at the University of California, where she oversaw the State's third largest health plan and a retirement system with over 100,000 participants and $40 billion in assets. Prior to working for UC, she served as deputy general counsel for Pacific Telesis Group and was a partner at Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro (now Pillsbury Winthrop).
• Carol Malenka Collins, a recognized expert on staff at Hanson Bridgett , has been elevated to partner. She has more than 15 years of experience advising employers on qualified plans, welfare plan issues (including matters related to COBRA and HIPAA), flexible benefits, dependent care, severance and leave plans. Malenka Collins is an expert in health and welfare, and executive compensation programs. Prior to joining Hanson Bridgett she was in-house benefits counsel for large private sector employers in California for 10 years.
• Daniel W. Zimbler, whose substantial experience in employee benefits law grew as an associate for an employee benefits law firm and at a leading tax advisory firm. He has counseled clients on a broad range of employment benefit issues, including equity, compensation, fringe benefits, health and welfare, and tax issues related to COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA.
• Nancy Hilu, who previously was a consultant for a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services and advised clients on compensation and benefits matters, including executive compensation, retirement plans, and domestic and international stock option plans.

These additional attorneys will work with Hanson Bridgett Partners Bob Blum and Marcus Wu, and associates Anne Hydorn and Ed Bernard, to serve the growing client roster. Blum is himself a recognized leader in employee benefits and taxation law who helped write ERISA and has represented retirement systems with more than 1 million members and $200 billion in assets. He has practiced tax law for more than 25 years and is a registered lobbyist with the U.S. Congress.

"We have a challenging and complex practice, representing private and public employers and large retirement systems," Blum explained. "As more clients turn to Hanson Bridgett for counsel regarding employee benefits law, we needed first-rate talent. I am delighted to welcome these terrific attorneys."

Hanson Bridgett's group of attorneys approaches employee benefits counsel in a more comprehensive way than most firms, noted Giacomini. "We approach employee benefits issues as problem-solvers and pride ourselves on our reputation for building lasting relationships with our clients. We go beyond interpretation of laws and offer our clients strategic advice from one of the strongest benefits practice groups in the state."

It has been a year of significant growth at Hanson Bridgett. The firm welcomed 12 lawyers from McQuaid, Bedford & Van Zandt in June while also acquiring McQuaid's Foster City office, expanding its presence out to the Peninsula. In October, Hanson Bridgett bolstered its ranks with the addition of four attorneys formerly of Sacramento-based Hunter Richey & Eisenbeis, LLP, which will be closing its firm.

Hanson Bridgett Public Relations:
P: 415-995-5192, F: 415-541-9366

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