Daniel J. Herling, an attorney at Keller & Heckman LLP in San Francisco shares a little of his insight on this very new, and very promising, legal trend in California.

I’m seeing an across-the-board increase in activity in all regulatory agencies – they are ratcheting up enforcement.  I’m noticing more subpoenas going out (for example,  OSHA is more aggressive and FDA is implementing more recalls as is the CPSC). 

Keller & Heckman is involved in both the regulatory and litigation aspects.  There’s been talk for some time, but I’m starting to see increased activity on the part of the Government.  The Obama administration is certainly having a different attitude toward regulation than prior administrations. 

As a result, Keller & Heckman, has felt the need for more litigation assistance due to these shifts, and the San Francisco office has grown accordingly.  (In fact, the office is currently seeking a litigation partner who can sustain himself/herself with portable business.  (Speak with Delia at Swan Legal Search regarding details about this opportunity. )

In addition to growth in California, our Washington D.C. office has also been busy addressing various recall issues on the regulatory side.  Often the regulatory issues evolve into litigation.  For example, recently a client had to take some product off the shelves at a major box store and sought relief from its supplier.  The supplier refused, and a complaint was filed in Federal court and ultimately resolved through mediation. 

I predict more work on the horizon in light of the Green Chemistry Initiative which is supposed to go in to effect in California shortly.  Unlike Prop 65, which had a specific enforcement regimen, the GCI has no mention of enforcement in the statute.  Issues such as what is a “chemical of concern” will inevitably lead to litigation.  A lot it will depend upon the new California Attorney General, and her/his views.  B&P Section 17200 may also create opportunities  for a private attorney general  actions pursued under.  These are, indeed, interesting times.

Dan is a partner at Keller & Heckman and recently had a major success in a breach of contract and lack of good faith and fair dealing case.  Founded in 1962, Keller & Heckman’s nationally-recognized litigation attorneys represent clients’ interests before federal and state courts, and regulatory and industry sanctioned bodies.  The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., Brussels, San Francisco and Shanghai.

Partner opportunity

This San Francisco firm is looking for an exceptional labor and employment partner with an impressive book of business. The ideal candidate is a hard-charging attorney who has an outstanding track record of generating business. If you’re looking to work in an environment of excellence, this may be a perfect fit.

Associate opportunity

This Century City firm is searching for a 2003-2006 litigation associate with hands-on experience in both federal and state court. The ideal candidate will know how to prepare and respond to written discovery; prepare for, take and defend depositions; prepare motions and oppositions to those motions; and appear in court.  Attorneys with a California bar license and excellent academics would be ideal candidates.

If you’re looking for a legal job and don’t see what you like here, please contact us.  We get notification of new job openings every day.  

Partner position — Bay Area

Bay Area office of this international law firm seeks a corporate merger and acquisitions attorney or groups with $1M book of business.  The firm is looking for an attorney with extensive experience with international deals valued at more than $1M.  A specialized skill set is critical for this position.  This position is perfect for an attorney with a global mindset and who appreciates collaborative work environment.  

Associate position — Orange County

This law firm is searching for a land use and natural resources associate (2005-2007 graduate) with litigation experience.  The ideal candidate will help a wide range of public and private clients to address environmental, natural resource, land use and permitting challenges.

Contact us today to speak about these opportunities or the many other opportunities that come through our doors each day. 

This week, the associate position is located in the Bay Area.  This law firm is seeking a 2004-2008 tax associate.  As a lawyer at this firm, you’ll work with emerging growth companies, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists.  For more information about this position, see SwanLegal.com. 

If you’re searching for a partner position in Los Angeles, this could be the career opportunity for you.  This international law firm seeks a real estate partner to help build the Los Angeles office.  In addition to real estate legal work, you  must help create a thoughtful business plan for continued growth for the Los Angeles office.  This could be a wonderful opportunity for an attorney who is interested in the business side of running a law firm.  

Please check back often:  our legal opportunities are updated weekly, and we receive information about new legal jobs daily.   At Swan Legal Search, we want to make sure that your next job is your best!

As a partner, it’s so important to find the position that will fit with your career goals and your lifestyle needs.  This position may be the one for you.  If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area or are willing to relocate, this firm is searching for a partner with a $1M book of business and extensive experience with environmental litigation and regulations.  Sound like something you’d like to try?  Contact us or visit SwanLegal.com for more information. 

For the job-seeking associate attorneys, we have a wonderful opportunity in a Los Angeles office.  This position is for the general litigation group of the firm.   If you are  a 2005 graduate with strong litigation skills, excellent writing skills and the ability to run a case, this may be the perfect fit for your career.  More information about this opportunity is available at our website or by contacting us.

Don’t see a perfect match?  We’ll be posting more opportunities next week.  There are more job openings every day at Swan Legal Search.  Contact us to find the career opportunity of a lifetime.