Metropolitan News-Enterprise

 

Friday, September 6, 2002

 

Page 3

 

Seattle-Based Law Firm Preston Gates & Ellis Shuts Los Angeles Office

 

By a MetNews Staff Writer

 

The Los Angeles office of Preston Gates & Ellis has closed down due to lack of business, a firm spokesman said.

Jeffrey Johnson, a partner in the Seattle office of Preston Gates, said the seven-person office was closed at the end of August because it was not successful.

“It obviously was a very small office with a limited practice,” Johnson said. “It was not successful in that mode, and we have other priorities for firm resources.”

Six of the office’s lawyers moved to the Century City firm of Piper Rudnick, including partner Jane Barrett. A seventh is staying with Preston Gates at another office as an associate for now, Johnson said.

Established eight years ago, the Los Angeles office focused almost entirely on anti-piracy prosecution, doing work for clients such as Microsoft and Southwest Airlines.

Preston Gates’ Orange County offices, located in Irvine, have not been affected by the move and in fact are growing and doing well, Johnson said.

 

Copyright 2002, Metropolitan News Company