Monday, June 8, 2009
Page 3
Ex-Mayer Brown Litigator Kramer Joins Sheppard Mullin
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Former Mayer Brown litigator Steven O. Kramer has joined the downtown office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm’s business trial practice group.
Kramer, who focuses his practice on civil litigation, primarily complex business and securities litigation, Securities Exchange Commission enforcement actions and white-collar criminal defense, spent the last eight and a half years at Mayer Brown. He said the idea of moving to Sheppard Mullin was first broached in conversations with partner Randy Visser, who Kramer said has been a close friend for over 25 years.
“My friend Randy and I often talked about practicing law together, and those discussions turned into me coming over here,” Kramer said.
Sheppard Mullin partner Marsh Tanner is also a friend, Kramer said, among others at the firm.
“I’m very happy to practice law with them and finish my career here,” Kramer said, noting, “It’s going to be a long career.”
Prior to entering private practice, Kramer was an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, and a member of the Fraud and Special Prosecutions Unit. He also served as an instructor at the advanced criminal course given by the Justice Department Trial Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C.
He also served as a trial attorney with the enforcement division of the SEC.
“Steve brings a strong litigation background that includes his formidable trial experience,” Sheppard Mullin Chairman Guy Halgren said. “His knowledge and expertise will enhance our business trial practice group and expand our civil litigation capabilities to better serve client needs.”
Kramer has handled class actions, derivative cases, accountant’s liability, RICO, ERISA and other complex litigation. He said his practice focus will remain the same, but grow as a result of Sheppard Mullin’s large platform.
“I wanted a large platform in California, with offices all over the state and a large office in Los Angeles,” Kramer said. “Sheppard Mullin is exactly what I was looking for.”
The firm’s “collegial” atmosphere also attracted Kramer, he said.
“I’ve been here a week, and everyone has been super and friendly,” he said. “It is very much a partnership in which all the partners participate. It’s very democratic, and I like that.”
Copyright 2009, Metropolitan News Company