Best Best & Krieger Attorneys Named Partner For 2024
2024 Promotions and Re-Elections to the Executive Committee
Best Best & Krieger LLP firm attorneys Alexander Brand, Amanda Daams, Laura Fowler, Todd Gee, Denise Hansen, Jessica Lomakin, Isaac Rosen, Frank Splendorio, Patricia Ursea and Wendy Wang have been selected to join the firm’s partnership effective Jan. 1, 2024. In addition, Partner Scott Ditfurth was re-elected to the firm’s Executive Committee and Managing Partner Eric Garner was re-elected to serve as Managing Partner and Chair of the Executive Committee, for two-year terms.
“It is exciting to welcome ten highly respected colleagues to the firm’s partnership,” said Eric Garner, Managing Partner. “Their leadership and commitment to excellent client service demonstrates their dedication to the practice of law and we look forward to their continued contributions.”
Alexander Brand, a member of BBK’s Municipal Law practice group, represents public and private clients in litigation in state and federal courts. Based on Alex’s prior experience, he is aware of the unique concerns that public entities have with litigation — especially when there is a high risk of monetary or publicity exposure.
Amanda Daams, a member of BBK’s Environmental Law and Natural Resources practice group, assists clients on all issues related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and associated environmental laws. She takes a pragmatic approach to solving difficult land use issues and advising clients on CEQA, NEPA, the Planning and Zoning Law, Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, Subdivision Map Act and related laws.
Laura Fowler, a member of BBK’s Labor and Employment practice group, represents employers in a variety of court and administrative proceedings. She defends both public and private employers in lawsuits for wrongful termination, breach of contract, unpaid wages, harassment, failure to accommodate, retaliation and discrimination.
Todd Gee, a member of BBK’s Business practice group, works with public agencies and private companies on a variety of transactional and governance matters. Todd’s practice centers on real estate, finance, and business transactions. Todd advises and assists public entities and private companies in all phases of real estate transactions, succession planning and business transactions.
Director of Municipal Law Enforcement, Denise Hansen, is a member of BBK’s Municipal Law practice group and represents municipal and public sector clients in litigation in state court. Denise’s practice includes criminal, civil and administrative municipal code enforcement, public entity defense, Pitchess motions, gun confiscation matters and gun violence restraining orders and Health & Safety Code abatements.
Jessica Lomakin, a member of BBK’s Business practice group, provides strategic counsel to public and private property owners and tenants on all manner of real estate transactions with an emphasis on leasing, lease enforcement, real estate development and purchase and sale transactions. With a decade of real estate litigation experience and extensive knowledge of remedies, Jessica acts as both a strong advocate for her clients’ legal rights, and as a practical negotiator.
Isaac Rosen, a member of BBK’s Municipal Law practice group, advises public sector clients, including cities and special districts, on an array of transactional, day-to-day and housing and land use matters, and serves as City Attorney for the City of Arroyo Grande, and Deputy Legal Counsel in West Hollywood, El Paso de Robles and the Chino Valley Independent Fire District. He is also a member of the firm’s Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing team.
Frank Splendorio, a member of BBK’s Municipal Law practice group, provides city attorney services and advice to public agencies. As City Attorney for Atwater and Plymouth, and Interim City Attorney for the City of Galt, Frank provides advice on governance issues and compliance under the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act.
Patricia Ursea is a member of BBK’s Municipal Law practice group and has 19 years of litigation experience. She spent eight years exclusively serving public agency clients both in-house and as outside counsel. She focuses her practice on constitutional torts involving free speech, searches and seizures and due process, class actions and writs of mandamus.
Wendy Wang, a member of BBK’s Environmental Law and Natural Resources practice group, works with public and private clients on matters involving water law, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conversation and Recovery Act, Proposition 218, Air Quality Management District rules and regulations, and public works projects. She also has significant experience in commercial litigation and contract agreements.